Successful medical treatment of neonatal multifocal osteomyelitis caused by methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Case review

Abstract

Osteomyelitis in the neonatal period is a rare but serious condition. Its estimated incidence corresponds to 0.1 case per 100 hospital admissions. Underdiagnosis is frequent given the paucisymtomatic presentation of this age group, leading to delays in the beginning of treatment and potential permanent sequelae. We present a case of osteomyelitis with associated fractures, caused by meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus secondary to catheter-related bloodstream infection, in a term neonate with history of perinatal asphyxia and hipoxicischaemic encephalopathy. The newborn debuted with sepsis associated with edema and arthritis and the diagnosis was confirmed with ultrasonography and radiographs that showed multiple pathologic fractures. Not being a candidate for surgical management, the therapeutic effort was adapted, directing management to broadspectrum antibiotic therapy and pain control, with adequate clinical response.

Keywords

• fractures bone
• infant newborn
• osteomyelitis