SEPSIS IN NORMAL AND PREMATURE INFANTS WITH LOCALIZATION IN THE HIP JOINT

[摘要] The case reports of five patients with sepsis, localizing in the hip joint, are presented. The age of onset was before 30 days of age. The weights at birth were in the premature range in three, normal in two; the first clinical sign was swelling of the region of the hip and thigh. The organisms were coagulase positive staphylococci in three cases, unknown in two cases.The differential diagnosis included cellulitis, trauma to the hip, and septic arthritis with abscess formation. Poliomyelitis, cancer, toxic synovitis and osteomyelitis of the femur were considered.Roentgenograms have been selected to show the slightness of the changes at onset, and the changes at 1, 5, and 12 years of age.Treatment should include general supportive measures, including administration of blood and nutritive elements, antibiotics and early drainage of the joint to prevent permanent damage of the head of the femur. This condition must be suspected in every instance of regional swelling of the hip in the newborn infant. Such swelling is an urgent indication for diagnostic aspiration of the joint.

[学科分类] 儿科学