Clinical Characteristics and Management of Children and Adolescents Hospitalized With Pyomyositis

Abstract

Background: Pyomyositis, a bacterial muscle infection, is an important differential diagnosis in children and adolescents with musculoskeletal pain. In contrast to tropical regions, it is rarely recognized in temperate countries, but incidence is increasing and major studies are missing. Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included patients <18 years of age hospitalized with pyomyositis in 11 Swiss children’s hospitals between January 2010 and December 2022. Cases were identified by ICD-10 code (Myositis; M60–M60.9), and data was extracted from electronic hospital records. Results: Of 331 patients identified, 102 fulfilled the case definition. Patient age at presentation ranged from 2 weeks to 17 years (median 8 years). The majority had no underlying illness and all presented with fever and localized pain. At the respective site of pyomyositis, 100 (98%) had impaired movement and 39 (38%) presented with local swelling. Pelvic (57%) and leg (28%) muscles were mostly affected. Blood or tissue cultures were obtained in 94 (92%) and 59 (57%) patients, respectively. Of those, 55 (58%) blood and 52 (88%) tissue cultures were positive, mainly for Staphylococcus aureus (35 and 19, respectively) and Streptococcus pyogenes (12 and 15, respectively). All patients received antibiotic treatment during hospitalization for a median of 10 days (interquartile range: 7–17), followed by outpatient treatment for a further median of 16 days (interquartile range: 11–22) in 95 (93%) patients. Fifty-nine (57%) patients required surgery. Conclusions: Pyomyositis is a challenging diagnosis that requires a high level of awareness. Blood and/or tissue cultures revealed S. aureus and S. pyogenes as the predominant causative agents.