Pediatric Osteoarticular Infections Caused by Mycobacteria Tuberculosis Complex: A 26-Year Review of Cases in San Diego, CA

Abstract

Background: Osteoarticular infections (OAIs) account for 10%-20% of extrapulmonary Mycobacteria tuberculosis (MTB) complex infections in children and 1%-2% of all pediatric tuberculosis infections. Treatment regimens and durations typically mirror recommendations for other types of extrapulmonary MTB, but there are significant variations in practice, with some experts suggesting a treatment course of 12 months or longer. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of children diagnosed with MTB complex OAI and cared for between December 31, 1992, and December 31, 2018, at a tertiary care pediatric hospital near the United States-Mexico border. Results: We identified 21 children with MTB complex OAI during the study period. Concurrent pulmonary disease (9.5%), meningitis (9.5%), and intra-abdominal involvement (14.3%) were all observed. MTB complex was identified by culture from operative samples in 15/21 children (71.4%); 8/15 (53.3%) cultures were positive for Mycobacterium bovis. Open bone biopsy was the most common procedure for procurement of a tissue sample and had the highest culture yield. The median duration of antimicrobial therapy was 52 weeks (interquartile range, 46-58). Successful completion of therapy was documented in 15 children (71.4%). Nine children (42.9%) experienced long-term sequelae related to their infection. Conclusion: Among the 21 children with MTB complex OAI assessed, 8 of 15 (53.3%) children with a positive tissue culture had M. bovis, representing a higher percentage than in previous reports and potentially reflecting its presence in unpasteurized dairy products in the California-Baja region. Bone biopsy produced the highest culture yield in this study. Given the rarity of this disease, multicenter collaborative studies are needed to improve our understanding of the presentation and management of pediatric MTB complex OAI.

Pediatric Osteoarticular Tuberculosis as a Diagnostic Dilemma and a Review of Literature

“…Despite varied occurrence, it continues to intrigue the medical community worldwide. With the emergence of multi-drug resistance (MDR) and extensively-drug resistance (XDR) tuberculosis, the importance of identifying these subtypes is also imperative and important [32]. The GeneXpert-MTB clears the dilemma in the choice of anti-tubercular chemotherapy vis-à-vis drug-resistant tuberculosis.…”

Silent Case of Pediatric Osteoarticular Tuberculosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“… 1 Osteoarticular infections (OAIs) account for 10% to 20% of extrapulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infections in children, 5% to 6% of all pediatric extrapulmonary cases, and 1% to 2% of all pediatric tuberculosis infections. 2 - 4 …”