Osteoarticular complications of childhood brucellosis: a study of 57 cases in Saudi Arabia.
Fifty-seven (36%) of a cohort of 157 children with brucellosis from Saudi Arabia had arthritis. Most gave a history of contact with farm animals or drinking unpasteurized milk. Associated features included pyrexia, arthralgia, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. A subacute presentation with peripheral oligoarthritis predominantly affecting hips or knees was common. Specific chemotherapy resulted in rapid defervescence followed by slower resolution of the arthritis. Children with osteoarticular brucellosis had a higher relapse rate and a longer hospital stay. Supervised combination chemotherapy for at least 6 weeks was effective in preventing relapse. A brucellar etiology should be considered in any child from an endemic area who has osteoarticular manifestations.
Benjamin
B
B
Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
Annobil
S H
SH
Khan
M R
MR
D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D002006:Brucellosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006621:Hip Joint; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007719:Knee Joint; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012529:Saudi Arabia