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Severe infant osteogenesis imperfecta requires osteosynthesis. Intramedullary tibia's osteosynthesis is a technical challenge given the deformity and the medullar canal's narrowness. We describe an extramedullary technique: 'In-Out-In' K-wires sliding. We performed an anteromedial diaphysis approach. The periosteum was released while preserving its posterior vascular attachments. To obtain a straight leg, we did numerous osteotomies as many times as necessary. K-wires ('In') were introduced into the proximal epiphysis, and the medial malleolus ('Out') bordered the cortical and ('In') reach their opposite metaphysis. K-wires were cut, curved and impacted at their respective epiphysis ends to allow a telescopic effect. All tibial fragments are strapped on K-wires, and the periosteum was sutured over it. Our inclusion criteria were children with osteogenesis imperfecta operated before 6 years old whose verticalization was impossible. Seven patients (11 tibias) are included (2006-2016) with a mean surgery's age of 3.3 ± 1.1 years old. All patients received intravenous bisphosphonates preoperatively. The follow-up was 6.1 ± 2.7 years. All patients could stand up with supports, and the flexion deformity correction was 46.7 ± 14.2°. Osteosynthesis was changed in nine tibias for the arrest of telescoping with flexion deformity recurrence and meantime first session-revision was 3.8 ± 1.7 years. At revision, K-wires overlap had decreased by 55 ± 23%. Including all surgeries, three distal K-wires migrations were observed, and the number of surgical procedures was 2.5/tibia. No growth arrest and other complications reported. 'In-Out-In' K-wires sliding can be considered in select cases where the absence of a medullary canal prevents the insertion of intramedullary rod or as a salvage or alternative procedure mode of fixation. It can perform in severe infant osteogenesis imperfecta under 6 years old with few complications and good survival time., (Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) and pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) are congenital skeletal disorders characterized by irregular epiphyses, mild or severe short stature and early-onset osteoarthritis which frequently affect the hips. The current study evaluates the long-term results of the Chiari osteotomy in MED and PSACH patients., Methods: Twenty patients (14 MED and 6 PSACH) were retrospectively included. Clinical assessment used the Postel Merle d'Aubigné (PMA) score and the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). Risser index, Sharp angle, acetabular depth index, center-edge angle, Tönnis angle, and femoral head coverage were measured on the preoperative radiographs and at last follow-up. The Treble index, which identifies the hip at risk in MED patients, was also determined. Stulberg classification (grades I to V) was used to evaluate the risk of osteoarthritis in the mature hips.Statistical analyses determined differences between preoperative and postoperative data. The Kaplan Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate of the operated hips using total hip arthroplasty as the endpoint., Results: Thirty-three hips which underwent a Chiari osteotomy were reviewed. The average follow-up was 20.1 years. The PMA scores were significantly better at last follow-up than preoperatively. All radiographic parameters significantly improved. Moreover, the Sharp angle, center-edge angle, and femoral head coverage improved to a normal value at hip maturity. All of the operated hips had a Treble index of type I. At hip maturity, a majority of hip were aspherical congruent (Stulberg grades of III and IV). The survival rate of the operated hips was 80.7% at 24 years postoperative., Conclusions: The Chiari osteotomy is a satisfying solution for severe symptomatic hip lesions in MED and PSACH patients. At long-term follow-up, this procedure lessens pain and improves hip function, which delays total hip arthroplasty indication., Level of Evidence: Level IV., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The "horseman" procedure is a surgical technique used to correct the talocalcaneal joint displacement of severe idiopathic flatfoot in children while maintaining the reduction with a temporary talocalcaneal screw. While this technique has been used since the early 1960s, very little has been reported on its results. Our objectives were to estimate the correction, functional results, and postoperative complications of the "horseman" procedure. We conducted a retrospective study on 23 consecutive patients (41 cases) who underwent the "horseman" procedure for a talocalcaneal joint displacement. Mean follow-up was 8.9 (range 1 to 28) years, and 8 patients (12 feet) had reached bone maturity at last follow-up. Mean age at surgery was 6.6 (range 4 to 9.5) years. At last follow-up, all the patients were asymptomatic except 2 [8.7%] (4 [9.8%] cases). The talocalcaneal divergence on anteroposterior and lateral radiographic views was reduced by 8.9° and 11.4°, respectively, after the surgery, and the correction was maintained with loss of 0.7° and 2.9°, respectively, at final follow-up. The talonavicular coverage angle was reduced by 25° without loss of correction at last follow-up. The calcaneal pitch angle did not change after the surgery. Mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score increased from 88.7 of 100 (63 of 100 to 93 of 100) preoperatively to 99 of 100 (97 to 100 of 100) at last follow-up. No major complication occurred. The "horseman" procedure allows an immediate and lasting correction of severe idiopathic flatfoot in children., (Copyright © 2018 the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Bone and joint infections in children. Bone and joint infections in children are diagnostic and therapeutic emergencies. The most frequently isolated bacteria are Staphylococcus aureus and Kingella kingae. The latter gives few clinical symptoms with slightly abnormal biological signs. Improved bacteriological sampling techniques and analysis (PCR) have allowed to isolate fragile germs. The clinical examination is fundamental completed by bone scintigraphy and MRI for early diagnosis. Actual shorter antibiotic treatment protocols are currently used and shorten the duration of hospitalization. Surgical treatment with the evacuation of a collection and/ or washing of a joint is still a key point in the management of such infections. Currently, severe forms of bone and joint infections have appeared due to staphyloccocus aureus resistant to methicillin., Competing Interests: Les auteurs déclarent n’avoir aucun lien d’intérêts.

Traumatisms of distal extremities are frequent in children. They can associate fingertip skin, bone and nail complex injuries. Their severity level is very variable, from simple subungual bruise to distal amputation. Initial care needs careful repair of injured structures. Secondary treatment of sequelae is much more difficult., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Toe walking is a frequent situation for a clinic in pediatric orthopedic. It is, in most cases, an idiopathic trouble. Neurologic examination is very important to recognize spastic diplegia or neuromuscular disease. A contracture of the triceps can occur and will require a specific treatment from physiotherapy to surgery. A psychological approach is sometimes necessary., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Septic arthritis (SA) is a serious bacterial infection that must be treated efficiently and timely. The large number of culture-negative cases makes local epidemiological data important. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the etiology, clinical characteristics, and therapeutic approach of SA in children in Turkiye, emphasizing the role of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques in the diagnosis. Methods: In this multi-center, prospective study, children hospitalized due to SA between February 2018 and July 2020 in 23 hospitals in 14 cities in Turkiye were included. Clinical, demographic, laboratory, and radiological findings were assessed, and real-time PCR was performed using synovial fluid samples. Results: Seventy-five children aged between 3 and 204 months diagnosed with acute SA were enrolled. Joint pain was the main complaint at admission, and the most commonly involved joints were the knees in 58 patients (77.4%). The combination of synovial fluid culture and real-time PCR detected causative bacteria in 33 patients (44%). In 14 (18.7%) patients, the etiological agent was demonstrated using only PCR. The most commonly isolated etiologic agent was Staphylococcus aureus, which was detected in 22 (29.3%) patients, while Streptococcus pyogenes was found in 4 (5.3%) patients and Kingella kingae in 3 (4%) patients. Streptococcus pyogenes and Kingella kingae were detected using only PCR. Most patients (81.3%) received combination therapy with multiple agents, and the most commonly used combination was glycopeptides plus third-generation cephalosporin. Conclusions: Staphylococcus aureus is the main pathogen in pediatric SA, and with the use of advanced diagnostic approaches, such as real-time PCR, the chance of diagnosis increases, especially in cases due to Kingella kingae and Streptococcus pyogenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) is a rare congenital bone dysplasia. Patients with MED develop secondary hip osteoarthritis as early as the third to the fourth decade. Currently, there is no consensus on the prevention of the progressive hip osteoarthritis secondary to MED. The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a joint-preserving surgery to reshape acetabulum and extend femoral head coverage. However, there is no documentary evidence for the effect of the procedure on MED hips. Patients and methods: We analyzed the preliminary outcomes following the Bernese PAO in 6 MED hips. The average age at the time of surgery was 14.3 years (range from 11.4 to 17.2 years). For our study interest of time efficiency, radiographic parameters were analyzed preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. The hip function was evaluated by the Harris Hip Score (HHS) before and after surgery. Results: The mean follow-up time was 1.7 years. The mean lateral center–edge angle increased from 3.8° to 47.1° (p = 0.02), anterior center–edge angle increased from 7.3° to 35.1° (p = 0.02), and acetabulum index decreased from 27.8° to 14.6° (p = 0.04). The femoral head coverage ratio increased from 66.8% to 100% (p = 0.02). The post-operative anteroposterior pelvic radiograph demonstrated all preoperative broken Shenton lines were reversed. The mean HHS improved from 67.3 to 86.7 (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Bernese PAO is a feasible treatment for hip disorders in MED patients. It reshapes acetabular and femoral morphology efficiently. In our study, the preliminary results showed the procedure not only improved radiographic outcomes but also hip function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder responsible for various symptoms including deformities and frequent fractures. Bone allografting is poorly documented in this condition. The objective of this study was to describe our experience and assessments in a consecutive series of OI patients. Methods: Thirty-nine lower limb allograft procedures (28 femurs, 11 tibias) were performed in 26OI patients (mean age, 12.9 years). They were classified as type III of Sillence (17), type IV (6), and 3 recessive forms. The indications for surgery were correction of deformity (19), fracture (16), and non-union (4). In all cases, bone allografting was added to reinforce areas of fragility and in 28 cases for osteosynthesis to lock the rotations at the osteotomy site and to avoid screwed metallic plate. The duration of bone consolidation and allograft fusion was assessed. Complications and Gillette functional score were reported. Results: The mean follow-up was 6.7years (range, 2 to 10 years). On average, bone consolidation was achieved after 3.3 months and graft fusion after 7.7 months. No bone allograft-related complications were observed and there was any secondary displacement. The Gillette functional score was improved in 23 patients and stable in three cases. Complications were reported in two cases: one partial allograft resorption and one delayed consolidation of a non-union. One refracture was observed but after a significant trauma in a child who had regained significant physical activity. Conclusions: Bone allografting in children with OI is a reliable method of biological fixation, allowing efficient fusion and contributing to increased bone capital and functional outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Painful benign bone tumors often adversely influence quality of life primarily due to skeletal-related events such as unremittable pain, pathologic fracture, neurologic deficit, as well as skeletal growth disturbance. Substantial advances in percutaneous minimally invasive interventions for treatment of painful benign bone tumors beyond osteoid osteoma have been established as safe, efficacious, and durable treatments to achieve definitive cure. This article details the available armamentarium and most recent advances in minimally invasive percutaneous interventions and the role of radiologists for the management of patients with benign bone tumors beyond osteoid osteoma., (© 2023. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature and the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE).)

Background: An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare benign lytic lesion affecting the medullary canal of long bones. It has been widely reported in human medicine, but rarely described in domestic animals. Objective: To report the surgical treatment and long term follow‐up of a dog affected by ABC. Methods: An 8‐month‐old, intact female Weimaraner was presented with lameness affecting the left front limb and progressive swelling of the mid‐distal radius. Survey radiographs revealed a mid‐distal diaphyseal radial lesion. Fine needle aspirates, biopsy, CT scan and histopathology results supported the diagnosis of ABC. Treatment consisted of partial corticotomy of the affected radius, filling of the cystic cavity with demineralised bone matrix and autologous bone graft and stabilisation using lag screws and a neutralisation plate. Results: The long‐term follow‐up, at 36 post‐operative months, showed no recurrence of the cyst and bone modelling. Comparing preoperative radiographs with those at 36 months, bone modelling reduced the radial area by 23.3% in the craniocaudal radiographic view and 30% in the mediolateral projection. Conclusions: This treatment was sucessful in the case here described, with a 3 years follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose -- Albeit pediatric flexible flat foot (FFF) is a common condition, only a minority of patients become symptomatic. Long-term outcomes of surgically treated pediatric patients with symptomatic FFF are largely unknown. In this systematic review, studies providing outcomes at a mean follow-up of at least 4 years after the procedure in these patients were analyzed. Material and methods -- A PubMed search was undertaken involving original articles published up to July 2021 on outcome in children aged 6 to 14 with surgically treated FFF and mean (or minimum) follow-up of at least 4 years. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results -- Of initially 541 entries, 10 could be included in the systematic review (all level IV), involving 846 pediatric patients with 1,536 symptomatic FFF. Pooled mean radiological (n = 8) and clinical follow-up (n = 10) was 5.3 (range 0.5--15) and 7.0 (range 4.1--15) years, respectively. Surgical procedures included arthroereisis (n = 8), lateral column lengthening (n = 1), and Horseman procedure (n = 1). Overall relative frequency of implant-associated complications and wound-healing problems was 3.2% and 1.3%, as well as 2.8% and 1.6% following subtalar arthroereisis only. From preoperative to latest radiological assessment following subtalar arthroereisis (including 3 studies with radiological follow-up < 48 months), pooled median decrease in talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA; --9.2°), anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle (A-TCA; --6.5°), lateral talocalcaneal angle (L-TCA; --3.5°), talar declination angle (TDA; --14°), Moreau Costa Bertani angle (MCB; --13°), and talo-firstmetatarsal angle (L-T1MA; --10°) was observed, as was an increase in calcaneal pitch (4.5°). Interpretation -- In symptomatic pediatric FFF patients, surgery is associated with a manageable complication pro- file, and results in satisfactory long-term clinical as well as radiological outcome. Yet scientific evidence is low, warranting larger scaled studies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aim to describe the management of fingertip injuries treated by flaps in the paediatric surgery emergency ward and evaluate the long-term results.Patients and Methods: Through a 2-year prospective study, we analysed all fingertip injuries treated by flaps in the paediatric emergency ward. We collected patients' data and the clinical and imaging characteristics of the lesions. The type of flap was chosen on a case-by-case basis. We evaluated aesthetic and functional results.Results: Forty-two fingertip injuries required the use of flaps. The average age was 7 years, and boys were more affected. The smashed fingertip was the most common mechanism; pulp lesions and amputation were located mainly in zone I or II. We performed Atasoy flaps, palm flap, free skin grafts, McGregor flap and the cross finger flap. Our results were good to excellent in 66.67%.Conclusions: The best management of fingertip injuries in children remains prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Pediatric osteomyelitis is a condition involving infection of the bone in children. It necessitates rapid diagnosis and treatment. It is important for a medical practitioner to be familiar with this condition. We review the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis, as well as treatment and the following up of this condition in children. Recent Findings: Different causative organisms require unique diagnosis and treatment approaches. Establishing the diagnosis often requires multiple diagnostic modalities. Differential diagnosis requires excluding noninfectious causes such as malignancies and bone infarcts. There is no consensus regarding the nature or duration of pharmacological or surgical treatment. The most common complications are myositis and pyomyositis contiguous to the site of inflammation, venous thrombosis, and thrombophlebitis. Summary: Osteomyelitis in children is a dangerous yet a well-studied clinical condition. Nowadays, a physician can and should be well capable in coping with the challenges of diagnosing and treating this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hip containment surgeries in multiple epiphyseal and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (MED/SED) patients aim to improve the mechanical environment of the hip joint. The purpose of this study was to determine if surgical intervention to improve femoral head coverage improved radiographic and clinical outcomes. A retrospective study identified patients with MED/SED seen in clinic between May 2000 and September 2017, with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Patient charts/radiographs were reviewed for radiographic hip measurements, pain, and gait. Sixty-nine hips in 35 patients were identified. Forty-four hips were treated nonoperatively and 25 were treated surgically. The mean age at diagnosis was 6.2 years. The mean follow-up was 7.7 years for the surgical group and 7.1 years for the nonsurgical group. The mean postoperative follow-up was 5.4 years. Acetabular index decreased from initial to final visit by 9.0° in the surgical group and 1.6° in the nonsurgical group. Tonnis angle decreased by 13.5° in the surgical group and 1.5° in the nonsurgical group. Center edge angle increased by 19.0° in the surgical group and 7.1° in the nonsurgical group. Hips in the surgical group were 6.1 times more likely to experience an improvement in pain compared with hips in the nonsurgical group. Gait at the final follow-up was similar among the two groups. In this study cohort, containment surgery provided increased femoral head coverage; however, there was equal femoral head deformation despite intervention. Hips treated surgically were more likely to experience an improvement in pain; however, gait alterations did not improve., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Copyright of Acta Ortopédica Mexicana is the property of Sociedad Mexicana de Ortopedia, AC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign intraosseous lesion filled with blood that can determine a blowout distension of the bone. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of sclerotherapy by percutaneous intralesional administration of ethanol 96% for the treatment of this pathology in paediatric patients.Method: The retrospective study includes 17 paediatric patients with ABC who were treated by repeated intracystic injection with ethanol 96%, 1 ml/kg, in our clinic between December 2015 and July 2017. Fluoroscopic guidance was used to inject the cyst with contrast agent. The mean follow-up period was 11 months.Results and Discussion: All cysts are healed or are in the healing process. The mean age was 11 years old. Seven patients needed three repeated injections and ten patients needed two injections until healing. We observed a mean reduction in the size of the lesions, measured on plain X-rays, of 68%. The complications that were observed included the following: dizziness after injection, skin pigmentation at the injection site, local inflammatory reaction, and pain after injection. The current study approves the importance of this minimally invasive treatment with no recurrence after a follow-up of 19 months. The healing rate was 100%. A limitation of this study consists in the small number of patients.Conclusion: Sclerotherapy with ethanol 96% is a useful method for the treatment of ABC. It is a minimally invasive method, with no major complications, which lowers the risks of open surgical intervention and has a good rate of success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of percutaneous calcitonin and steroid injection in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs).Materials and Methods: Our study was IRB-approved and HIPAA-compliant. We reviewed pre- and post-procedural imaging studies and medical records of all CT-guided percutaneous injections of ABCs with calcitonin and steroid performed at our institution between 2003 and 2015.Results: Treatment success based on imaging was categorized as substantial (51-100 %), partial (1-50 %), or none (0 %) by comparing radiographs of the lesion before and after treatment. Our study group comprised 9 patients (7 female, 2 male; mean age 19 ± 5 (range 12-25) years). ABCs were located in the pubis (n = 3), femur (n = 2), and humerus/scapula/ilium/sacrum (n = 1 for each). One patient did not have any clinical or imaging follow-up. For the other 8 patients, clinical and imaging follow-up ranged from 1 to 93 months (mean 16 ± 29 months). One patient had two injections, and 1 patient had three injections. Six out of eight patients (75 %) had complete symptomatic relief and 2 patients (25 %) had partial symptomatic relief after initial injection. Imaging follow-up revealed substantial imaging response in 4 out of 8 patients (50 %). There was a partial imaging response in 2 patients (25 %) and no imaging response in 2 out of 8 patients (25 %), and all 4 of these patients had local recurrence. There were no complications.Conclusion: Percutaneous CT-guided injection of ABCs with calcitonin and steroid is a safe and effective treatment. Lack of imaging response may necessitate more aggressive treatment to minimize local recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In children, infectious discitis (D) and infectious spondylodiscitis (SD) are rare diseases that can cause significant clinical problems, including spinal deformities and segmental instabilities. Moreover, when the infection spreads into the spinal channel, D and SD can cause devastating neurologic complications. Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce these risks. The main aim of this paper is to discuss recent concepts regarding the epidemiology, microbiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric D and SD. It is highlighted that particular attention must be paid to the identification of the causative infectious agent and its sensitivity to antibiotics, remembering that traditional culture frequently leads to negative results and modern molecular methods can significantly increase the detection rate. Several different bacterial pathogens can cause D and SD, and, in some cases, particularly those due to Staphylococcus aureus, Kingella kingae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Brucella spp., the appropriate choice of drug is critical to achieve cure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign tumor of the skeletal system, which most frequently occurs in long bones. An ABC arising from the rib is extremely rare and it is difficult to distinguish from other types of rib tumors. The present study describes an unusual case of a large ABC in the rib of a 17-year-old male. The entity is discussed with particular emphasis on the clinicopathological features, differential diagnosis and treatment. Due to difficulties in the pre-operative diagnosis, a possible diagnosis of ABC should be made aware when confronting an expansile rib mass. An en bloc resection of the mass and the affected portion of the rib is mandatory to obtain a satisfactory outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute bone and joint infections (BJIs) in children may clinically occur as osteomyelitis (OM) or septic arthritis (SA). In clinical practice, one-third of cases present a combination of both conditions. BJIs are usually caused by the haematogenous dissemination of septic emboli carried to the terminal blood vessels of bone and joints from distant infectious processes during transient bacteraemia. Early diagnosis is the cornerstone for the successful management of BJI, but it is still a challenge for paediatricians, particularly due to its nonspecific clinical presentation and to the poor specificity of the laboratory and imaging first-line tests that are available in emergency departments. Moreover, microbiological diagnosis is often difficult to achieve with common blood cultures, and further investigations require invasive procedures. The aim of this narrative review is to provide the most recent evidence-based recommendations on appropriate antinfective therapy in BJI in children. We conducted a review of recent literature by examining the MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online) database using the search engines PubMed and Google Scholar. The keywords used were "osteomyelitis", OR "bone infection", OR "septic arthritis", AND "p(a)ediatric" OR "children". When BJI diagnosis is clinically suspected or radiologically confirmed, empiric antibiotic therapy should be started as soon as possible. The choice of empiric antimicrobial therapy is based on the most likely causative pathogens according to patient age, immunisation status, underlying disease, and other clinical and epidemiological considerations, including the local prevalence of virulent pathogens, antibiotic bioavailability and bone penetration. Empiric antibiotic treatment consists of a short intravenous cycle based on anti-staphylococcal penicillin or a cephalosporin in children aged over 3 months with the addition of gentamicin in infants aged under 3 months. An oral regimen may be an option depending on the bioavailability of antibiotic chosen and clinical and laboratory data. Strict clinical and laboratory follow-up should be scheduled for the following 3–5 weeks. Further studies on the optimal therapeutic approach are needed in order to understand the best first-line regimen, the utility of biomarkers for the definition of therapy duration and treatment of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]