Chronic Osteomyelitis in Children at Zinder National Hospital: Diagnosis and Therapeutic Aspects

Abstract

Objective: Chronic osteomyelitis represents a frequent complication in young children, especially those with sickle cell disease. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological aspects and therapeutic implications of chronic long-bone osteomyelitis in sickle-cell subjects aged 0 to 5 years at Zinder National Hospital. Methodology: This is a descriptive study with retrospective data collection of sickle cell subjects hospitalized and treated for chronic osteomyelitis from November 2023 to October 2024 at Zinder National Hospital. Results: Of the 16 patients included, male sex predominated in 56.25% (9/16). The mean age of patients was 32.69 months, ranging from 12 to 54 months. Involvement was multifocal in 75% (12/16) and bilateral in 37.5% (6/16). Bone involvement was predominantly in the pelvic limbs (87.5%). Among the bones affected, the femur was the most frequent site of involvement. All patients presented clinical symptoms such as pain, fever and swelling. Hyperleukocytosis was present in all subjects. Abscesses were present in 93.75% of cases, and sequestration was observed in 37.5% of patients. All cases were managed medico-surgically. Complications were noted in 25% (4/16), and involved residual bone deformities. Cure was confirmed in 43.75% (7/16). Conclusion : Chronic osteomyelitis in sickle-cell patients is a serious complication of acute osteomyelitis. Early management of acute osteomyelitis helps to avoid.