The Significance of Septic Arthritis in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Septic arthritis is not a common manifestation of neonatal infection and is always overlooked. It is rarely detected or may be passed unnoticed if accompanied with other overwhelming symptoms and sign of septicemia as respiratory distress, abdominal distension, cholestasis, irritability, fever or other neurological manifestation. Other cause may be participated in the uncommon diagnosis of septic arthritis is the paucity of sign and symptoms which make diagnosis more difficult than older infants and children. Clinical signs are early misleading with those of septicemia, but later a painful leg, pseudo paralysis, lack of movement, uneasiness and refusal to be fed or drink may be encountered. Early diagnosis and management may influence the course of septic arthritis and prevent disabilities.