title: [Osteomyelitis in newborn infants].
abstract: This article describes 12 patients (aged 1-28 days) suffering from neonatal osteomyelitis diagnosed between 1975 and 1987. Complications had occurred during 5 pregnancies, 9 patients had problems in the perinatal period (5 infections). In 9 cases (75%) only local symptoms existed, of which localized swelling, erythema, and loss of function were the most common. Deep soft-tissue swelling was the most common initial radiographic finding. Staphylococcus aureus (penicillin-resistant in all cases) was the most important aetiological organism (66%). Haemolytic streptococci occurred in 3 patients (group B twice, group A once). Six of 12 patients showed multifocal lesions, in 7 out of 12 patients concomitant septic arthritis existed. All patients received antibiotics (at least 2 weeks parenterally, total duration 6 weeks), while surgical intervention (exploration and drainage) took place in 8 patients. On follow-up (8 months-13 years) 4 patients showed deformity of the affected limb, leading to impaired function in 2 cases. Patients suffering from neonatal osteomyelitis require fast and properly directed therapy in order to prevent serious sequelae. Early surgical intervention is necessary if joint involvement exists.
authors.forename: H N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Caron
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Behrendt
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus; D013290:Streptococcal Infections; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes
vernacular_title: Osteomyelitis bij pasgeborenen.