Musculoskeletal sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Hunter S et al.

March 20, 2025

Summary:

Among children hospitalised with a bone and joint infection, Māori ethnicity, previous history of infections and congenital conditions were associated with requiring admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). These were the findings of a study of 563 children aged ≤15 years hospitalised with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis or septic arthritis in Auckland between 2018 and 2023. Average hospitalisation was 35.78 days for the 43 children who were admitted to PICU vs 8.71 days for those not requiring PICU care (p ≤ 0.0001), and readmission and complication rates were both higher within the first year after PICU admission. The average cost per admission was NZD 378,120 for PICU cases versus NZD 32,219 for non-PICU cases (p = 0.01).

Comment:

I’ve grouped these two papers together to reinforce the importance of preventing and then quickly treating skin infections for our tamariki. Although hospitalisations are sometimes necessary, in my experience kids return to the community with antibiotic-resistant bugs and feeling wary. Therefore it’s important we do what we can to prevent, and then quickly manage, these.

Reference: Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2025;44(3):189-194.

Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.