Soft tissue infections in children: a retrospective analysis of 242 hospitalized patients.

Pediatric soft tissue infections (STIs) are frequently seen disorders that represent one of the most common indications for antimicrobial therapy. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 242 patients who were hospitalized with STIs during the period from January 2000 to January 2004. The ages of the patients ranged from 1 month to 180 months (mean 44.33 +/- 36.92 months). The STIs were distributed as cellulitis in 96 (39.7%) patients, cervical lymphadenitis in 62 (25.6%), cervical abscess in 49 (20.2%), subcutaneous abscess in 25 (10.3%), pyomyositis in 6 (2.5%) and necrotizing fasciitis in 4 (1.6%). In 103 (42.2%) patients, a predisposing factor was found. Blood cultures yielded positive results in 18 (7.4%) cases. The responsible microorganisms were identified in 74 (30.6%) patients. The initial therapy consisted of ampicillin/sulbactam in 166 (68.6%) patients, ceftriaxone or cefotaxime in 58 (24.0%), and ceftriaxone plus clindamycin in 18 (7.4%). Surgical drainage was performed in 65 (86.7%) patients with abscesses. White blood cell count, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate returned to normal in mean periods of 3, 7 and 10 days, respectively. The mean duration of parenteral antibiotic therapy was 10 days, and the duration of treatment was found to increase with increasing C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate on admission (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001). Complications developed in 12 (4.8%) patients; there was no mortality.