Seasonal variation and weather changes related to the occurrence and severity of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in children

Eduardo A. Lindsay, Naureen Tareen, Chan Hee Jo, Lawson A Copley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) demonstrates regional variability in incidence and severity. In this study, we evaluated seasonal variations of AHO and assessed the effects of weather trends on the occurrence and severity of illness in affected children. Methods. National Weather Service data from the dates of symptom onset and of admission of children with AHO were gathered. Seasonal occurrence rates and the weather patterns were studied according to severity-of-illness category. Statistical analysis was performed with Pearson and Spearman correlations and analysis of variance. Results. A total of 209 children with AHO were admitted within 21 days of symptom onset (average, 5.0 ± 3.8 days). Severity-of-illness scores ranged from 0 to 10 (average, 3.2 ± 3.2). Symptom onset occurred most commonly in summer (73 [34.9%]) or spring (54 [25.8%]). We found a significant correlation between severity of illness and minimum temperature at symptom onset during the summer season (P = .020). A significant change in average humidity (21.6%) occurred during the winter between the date of symptom onset and the date of admission for children with severe illness (P = .020). Discussion. This study identified seasonal variation in the occurrence of AHO in children; summer was the most common season for occurrence. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed evaluation of weather parameters and trends in weather changes from symptom onset to admission with consideration of the effects of weather on the occurrence of infection and severity of illness.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)E16-E23
JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
Volume7
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 15 2018

Keywords

  • Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis
  • Seasonal variation
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Weather

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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