Short-term outcome of late presenting neonatal septic arthritis

Abstract

Septic arthritis can lead to serious morbidity and mortality. In developing countries most of the cases of septic arthritis presents late, Diagnosis is crucial and often missed. Septic arthritis is already studied, but there is under reporting of neonatal septic arthritis from under developed regions. Aim: To assess the short-term outcome following surgical intervention in patients of neonatal septic arthritis presenting late.Methods: It is a prospective study conducted at tertiary health care center from June 2014 to June 2017. Neonate who presented late (≥ 5 days of symptoms) were included. Total of 110 cases were studied. Diagnosis was made using Modified Kocher’s criteria and USG. Arthrotomy was performed in arthrocentesis positive patients. On follow up Patients were clinically and radiologically reassessed using Bennet Scoring System to check for sequalae. Data was collected and analyzed statistically using SPSS software.Results: Mean total leukocyte count, ESR and CRP were 17,000, 51 and 54 respectively. Excellent results were observed in 10% patients. Good, fair and poor results were obtained in 33.6%, 45.5% and 10.9% patients respectively.Conclusion: Septic arthritis leads to significant morbidity in patients who report late to the specialty even after early surgical intervention. There is a need of awareness programme to educate parents to recognize early features of septic arthritis. The clinicians should pick up and refer the patients as early as possible to the concerned specialty to improve the outcome of neonatal septic arthritic.