Switching to oral antibiotics may be as effective as continuing intravenous antibiotics in treating acute osteomyelitis

摘要

A recent retrospective cohort study published in the February issue of Pediatrics has revealed that early switch from intravenous (using central catheters) to oral antibiotics is as effective as continuous intravenous therapy in treating children with acute osteomyelitis, while the risk of catheter-related infections can be avoided.Acute osteomyelitis, typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus, affects one in every 5000 children aged under 13 years annually in the USA, representing 1% of all pediatric hospitalizations. Symptoms include fever and discomfort in arms or legs.