Osteomyelitis in Babies

Osteomyelitis, or infection of the bone or bone marrow, most commonly affects long bones in the body. It is often found in babies and infants born prematurely or with complications. A baby who was born prematurely or who had other health issues at birth, such as jaundice, may have difficulty fighting off a bacterial or viral infection.

Causes of Osteomyelitis in Babies

• Osteomylitis is caused by bacteria or a virus and most commonly occurs as a result of a staph infection. The bacteria enters the body through wounds, bones or objects that penetrate the skin, through infected joints, ear infections or other physical trauma.

Symptoms of Osteomyeltis in Babies

• If you suspect that your baby has an infection, seek medical attention immediately. Common symptoms of osteomyelitis in babies or infants include tenderness or pain in the infected area. The baby may not be able to use the infected area of their body and will most likely react to touch. The area may be swollen, red and warm. The baby will most likely be irritable, cry excessively and become feverish, nauseated, sweat excessively and show swelling of extremities.

Diagnosis of Osteomyelitis in Babies

• In order to diagnose osteomyelitis, a physician will take a medical history, complete a physical examination of the baby and run diagnostic tests. The physician will ask for information on the pregnancy and birth of the baby. There are several diagnostic tests which will help to determine if the baby has osteomyelitis, including X-rays to see tissues, bones and organs. A physician will probably require bone scans to detect the reason for the pain and inflammation, screen for diseases and tumors and evaluate any possible degeneration. Blood tests are also often required to help determine what type of infection is in the body. These tools will help determine the cause of the infection as well as the best treatment plan for the baby.

Treatment of Osteomyelitis in Babies

• The treatment plan for osteomyelitis in babies is often determined by the extent of the infection. The physician will consider the child's age, health, and medical history as well as the child's ability to tolerate medications and procedures. Treatment for osteomyelitis may involve one or a combination of treatment plans, including antibiotics, pain medication and surgery. Antibiotics help the body fight off infection. Surgery cleans out the infected area around the bone.

Possible Complications of Osteomyelitis

• Osteomyelitis can normally be cured with antibiotic treatment, however, depending on the severity and length of infection without treatment, osteomyelitis can damage the bone, muscles, tissue, tendons and blood vessels. In some cases, the affected limb must be amputated. Other babies may have reduced function of the limb or joints in the affected area. If the bone abscesses, it can create a loss in blood supply to the area, and the patient runs the risk of developing chronic osteomyelitis, where the infection remains in the body and symptoms may return at any time.

Preventing Osteomyelitis

• Treating wounds in babies or infants can help to reduce the risk of osteomyelitis. This involves thorough cleaning of a wound, using antibiotic ointments or other treatment as prescribed by a physician. For babies and children who have other health problems, such as diabetes, it is important that medical attention be sought as soon as possible to avoid complications.