[Valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy in a neonate: treatment with carglumic acid]. / Encefalopatía hiperamoniémica inducida por ácido valproico en un neonato. Tratamiento con ácido carglúmico.

Valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy (VHE) is an unusual and serious complication of valproate (VA) treatment. When an early diagnosis is made, it can be reversed with VA withdrawal and early treatment for hyperammonemia. We describe the case of a 20 days old male, who developed a serious VHE after receiving VA for refractory neonatal seizures. The VHE was resolved with VA withdrawal in association with carglumic acid and other measures for hyperammonemia treatment.

[Peri-viability: limits of prematurity in a regional hospital in the last 10 years]. / Periviabilidad: el límite de la prematuridad en un hospital regional de referencia durante los últimos 10 años.

AIM: To determine the preterm viability between 22 and 25 gestational weeks in our hospital in last 10 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted on preterms between 22-25 gestational weeks born between 1-1-2002 and 12-31-2011. RESULTS: There were 121 newborns, 45 (37%) stillbirths and 76 (63%) live births (16 died in delivery room, and 60 admitted to neonatal intensive unit). Among the 60 admitted, 34 died before hospital discharge, and 26 survived (21% of total, 34% of live births and 43% of those admitted to neonatal intensive unit). The causes of death were: 16 therapeutic effort limitation in delivery room, 8 therapeutic effort limitation in neonatal ward, 7 nosocomial sepsis, 7 NEC, 4 respiratory problems, and 8 of unknown cause. There were no survivors below 24 gestational weeks. Of the 26 survivors, 4 had major neurological disorders, and 11 with a normal neurological outcome. No significant statistical differences were found in the mortality between the two five-year periods analysed. CONCLUSIONS: The peri-viability has important clinical and ethical problems for neonatologist.

Cambios epidemiológicos y diagnósticos en la estenosis hipertrófica de píloro / Changes in epidemiology and diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

Introducción: La estenosis hipertrófica de píloro es una de las causas más frecuentes de vómitos en los lactantes, con una importante repercusión clínica y metabólica, y más acentuados según progresa el tiempo de evolución. El objetivo de este estudio es detectar los cambios en su evolución epidemiológica y diagnóstica a lo largo de una década. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de 141 pacientes tratados en nuestro hospital entre 2000 y 2009, ambos años inclusive. Se recogieron diversas variables epidemiológicas, clínicas y analíticas, y se compararon dos periodos elegidos de forma aleatoria, 2000-2004 y 2005-2009, para detectar posibles cambios. Resultados: La incidencia del 1,92‰ de recién nacidos vivos se mantuvo estable en el tiempo, con una relación entre varones y mujeres de 6:1. No se observaron cambios en el porcentaje de pérdida de peso de los pacientes. Sin embargo, se detectó un descenso del 33% en la edad en el momento del diagnóstico, así como un aumento de los pacientes diagnosticados con menos de 5 días de evolución. La disminución de las medidas ecográficas correspondientes a la longitud y el espesor de la pared indican un descenso en el diagnóstico de píloros de gran tamaño y, por tanto, más evolucionados. En cuanto a los parámetros analíticos estudiados, sólo la creatinina presenta una disminución de sus valores. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico de la estenosis hipertrófica de píloro ha experimentado una cierta anticipación. Los pacientes se diagnostican a una edad y con un tiempo de evolución menores y, por tanto, presentan una menor alteración clínica y analítica. El diagnóstico ecográfico ha desplazado de forma significativa al diagnóstico clínico (AU)

Introduction: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is one of the most common causes of vomiting in infants with significant clinical and metabolic impact, more pronounced as time progresses. The objective of this study is to detect epidemiological changes and diagnostic development of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, over a decade. Patients and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of 141 patients treated in our hospital between 2000 and 2009, inclusive. Several epidemiological, clinical and laboratory variables were collected and compared between two periods of time chosen at random to detect changes: 2000-2004 and 2005-2009. Results: The incidence of 1.92 ‰ live births, remained stable over time, with a male: female ratio of 6:1. There were also no changes in the porcentage of patient weight loss. However, we detected a decrease of 33% in the age of infants at the time of diagnosis as well as an increase of patients with less than 5 days lasting symptoms. The decrease of ultrasound measurements, lenght and wall thickness lead to a decline in the diagnosis of large and therefore more evolved pylori. As for the analytical parameters studied, we only appreciated a decrease in creatinine values. Conclusions: The diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis has experienced an anticipation. Patients are diagnosed younger with less hypertrophied pylorus and therefore less clinical and laboratory alteration. Diagnosis has shifted significantly from clinical to the ultrasound one (AU)

[Prognostic factors in hypertrophic pyloric stenosis]. / Factores pronósticos en la estenosis hipertrófica de píloro.

INTRODUCTION: Although the surgical treatment of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is well established, its management and main complication after surgery, postoperative vomits, are subject to constant revisions. In this study, we sought a prognostic factor that indicates the occurrence of this complication. METHODS: We analyzed different parameters listed in the medical histories of 169 patients treated at a tertiary hospital between 2000 and 2009, both inclusive, ruling out those who suffered some type of complication (n = 17) and those who followed a different pattern of reintroduction of feeding (n = 43). RESULTS: The decrease in the time interval between surgery and the first shot does not influence the outcome of patients. However, we found a negative correlation between the chlorine level in blood measured by the number of postoperative vomits. The time required to reach a correct tolerance, influenced by the degree of metabolic disorder, does influence both the number of vomits and the time required to achieve a proper tolerance. Other parameters analyzed, such as surgical time and ultrasound measurements of the pyloric olive, do not seem to influence the postoperative course of patients. CONCLUSION: Just the degree of metabolic disturbance and blood levels of chlorine seem to influence postoperative outcome, detected by the time required to reach a correct tolerance and the number of postoperative vomits.

[Procalcitonin for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis of vertical transmission]. / Procalcitonina para el diagnóstico de sepsis neonatal de transmisión vertical.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate procalcitonin (PCT) as a diagnostic marker of neonatal sepsis of vertical transmission and to compare the results of PCT with those of the most widely used laboratory tests for sepsis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 136 blood samples from 69 newborn infants admitted to a neonatal department. PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte count, and the immature-to-total neutrophil ratio (I/T ratio) were measured. The PCT reference range of controls from 0 to 72 hours of life was constructed, and the diagnostic efficiency of the tests was calculated, with their 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). RESULTS: This study included 35 controls, 24 neonates with noninfectious disorders, and 10 neonates with sepsis (5 with culture-proven sepsis). PCT, CRP, and the I/T ratio discriminated septic from nonseptic patients. Their areas under the ROC curve were 0.696 (p = 0.009), 0.735 (p = 0.002), and 0.703 (p = 0.006), respectively, with no statistically significant differences. The accuracy of PCT, CRP, and leukocyte count improved after 24 hours of life with areas under the ROC curve of 0.813 (p = 0.007), 0.826 (p = 0.005), and 0.841 (p = 0.003), respectively. Overall, PCT detected vertically transmitted sepsis with a sensitivity of 68.4 % (95 % CI: 46.0 %-84.6 %), specificity of 82.4 % (95 % CI: 72.2 %-89.4 %), positive likelihood ratio of 3.89 (95 % CI: 2.18 %-6.96 %), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.38 (95 % CI: 0.19 %-0.76 %), similar to those of CRP. CONCLUSIONS: PCT may be a useful marker for the diagnosis of vertically transmitted sepsis. Studies with larger sample sizes are required to establish the accuracy of PCT.

[Procalcitonin for the diagnosis of nosocomial neonatal sepsis]. / Procalcitonina para el diagnóstico de sepsis neonatal de origen nosocomial.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial sepsis is a major problem in neonatal units. Because the clinical signs are nonspecific, highly reliable diagnostic markers are required to guide diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of procalcitonin (PCT) as a diagnostic marker for nosocomial neonatal sepsis, and to compare the results of PCT with those of the most widely used laboratory tests for sepsis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty neonates with nosocomial sepsis and 20 controls aged 4-30 days were included in a prospective study performed in a neonatal intensive care unit. PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte count, and the immature-to-total neutrophil ratio (I/T ratio) were measured at onset of signs of infection. The sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio for a positive (LR+) and a negative (LR-) result were calculated. RESULTS: PCT, CRP, and the I/T ratio discriminated septic from nonseptic patients. Their areas under the ROC curve were 0.849, 0.880, and 0.884, respectively, with no statistically significant differences. Optimal cut-off values were: PCT > or = 0.65 ng/ml (sensitivity 85 %, specificity 80 %, LR 1 4.25, LR- 0.19), PCR > or = 5 .g/ml (sensitivity 80 %, specificity 95 %, LR 1 16, LR- 0.21), and I/T > or = 0.03 (sensitivity 90 %, specificity 75 %, LR 1 3.6, LR- 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: PCT may be a useful marker for the diagnosis of nosocomial neonatal sepsis. Studies with larger samples are required to compare the accuracy of PCT with that of other markers of sepsis.

Procalcitonina para el diagnóstico de sepsis neonatal de transmisión vertical / Procalcitonin for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis of vertical transmission

Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de la procalcitonina (PCT) para el diagnóstico de sepsis neonatal de transmisión vertical y comparar sus resultados con los marcadores de sepsis más utilizados. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio prospectivo sobre 136 muestras de 69 recién nacidos ingresados en un servicio de neonatología. Se midieron la PCT, proteína C reactiva (PCR), recuento leucocitario e índice de neutrófilos inmaduros/totales (índice I/T). Se construyó el rango de normalidad de la PCT entre 0 y 72 h de vida y se calculó la eficacia diagnóstica de los marcadores de infección estudiados con sus intervalos de confianza del 95 % (IC 95 %). Resultados: Se incluyeron 35 controles, 24 neonatos con procesos no infecciosos y 10 diagnosticados de sepsis (cinco con confirmación bacteriológica). PCT, PCR e índice I/T mostraron capacidad diagnóstica, con áreas bajo la curva COR de 0,696 (p 5 0,009), 0,735 (p 5 0,002) y 0,703 (p 5 0,006), respectivamente, sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas. El rendimiento mejoró a partir de las 24 h de vida para PCT, PCR y recuento leucocitario, con áreas bajo la curva COR de 0,813 (p 5 0,007), 0,826 (p 5 0,005) y 0,841 (p 5 0,003), respectivamente. Globalmente la PCT detectó sepsis de transmisión vertical con sensibilidad del 68,4 % (IC 95 %: 46,0-84,6), especificidad 82,4 % (IC 95 %: 72,2-89,4), cociente de probabilidades del positivo 3,89 (IC 95 %: 2,18-6,96) y cociente de probabilidades del negativo 0,38 (IC 95 %: 0,19-0,76), similares a la PCR. Conclusiones: La PCT puede ser una herramienta útil para el diagnóstico de sepsis de transmisión vertical. Es necesario disponer de estudios con mayor número de pacientes

Objective: To evaluate procalcitonin (PCT) as a diagnostic marker of neonatal sepsis of vertical transmission and to compare the results of PCT with those of the most widely used laboratory tests for sepsis. Patients and Methods: A prospective study was conducted in 136 blood samples from 69 newborn infants admitted to a neonatal department. PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte count, and the immature-to-total neutrophil ratio (I/T ratio) were measured. The PCT reference range of controls from 0 to 72 hours of life was constructed, and the diagnostic efficiency of the tests was calculated, with their 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). Results: This study included 35 controls, 24 neonates with noninfectious disorders, and 10 neonates with sepsis (5 with culture-proven sepsis). PCT, CRP, and the I/T ratio discriminated septic from nonseptic patients. Their areas under the ROC curve were 0.696 (p 5 0.009), 0.735 (p 5 0.002), and 0.703 (p 5 0.006), respectively, with no statistically significant differences. The accuracy of PCT, CRP, and leukocyte count improved after 24 hours of life with areas under the ROC curve of 0.813 (p 5 0.007), 0.826 (p 5 0.005), and 0.841 (p 5 0.003), respectively. Overall, PCT detected vertically transmitted sepsis with a sensitivity of 68.4 % (95 % CI: 46.0 %-84.6 %), specificity of 82.4 % (95 % CI: 72.2 %-89.4 %), positive likelihood ratio of 3.89 (95 % CI: 2.18 %-6.96 %), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.38 (95 % CI: 0.19 %-0.76 %), similar to those of CRP. Conclusions: PCT may be a useful marker for the diagnosis of vertically transmitted sepsis. Studies with larger sample sizes are required to establish the accuracy of PCT

Procalcitonina para el diagnóstico de sepsis neonatal de origen nosocomial / Procalcitonin for the diagnosis of nosocomial neonatal sepsis

Antecedentes: La sepsis nosocomial supone una de las mayores preocupaciones en las unidades de neonatología y, dada la falta de especificidad de sus síntomas, se hacen necesarias pruebas complementarias muy fiables para orientar el diagnóstico. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la utilidad de la procalcitonina (PCT) para el diagnóstico de sepsis neonatal de origen nosocomial y comparar sus resultados con los marcadores de sepsis más utilizados. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio prospectivo realizado en una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales. Se incluyeron 20 casos de sepsis nosocomial y 20 controles de entre 4 y 30 días de vida. Se midieron la PCT, proteína C reactiva (PCR), recuento leucocitario e índice de neutrófilos inmaduros/totales (índice I/T) en el momento de la sospecha de sepsis. Se calculó la sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos y cocientes de probabilidades del positivo (CPP) y del negativo (CPN) de los marcadores de infección estudiados. Resultados: PCT, PCR e índice I/T mostraron capacidad diagnóstica, con áreas bajo la curva COR de 0,849, 0,880 y 0,884, respectivamente, sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Los puntos de corte óptimos fueron: PCT >= 0,65 ng/ml (sensibilidad 85%; especificidad 80%; CPP 4,25; CPN 0,19), PCR >= 5 mg/ml (sensibilidad 80%; especificidad 95%; CPP 16; CPN 0,21) e índice I/T >= 0,03 (sensibilidad 90%; especificidad 75%; CPP 3,6; CPN 0,13). Conclusiones: La PCT puede ser una herramienta útil para el diagnóstico de sepsis nosocomial en neonatos, aunque es necesario disponer de estudios con mayor número de pacientes para poder comparar su rendimiento con el de otros marcadores de sepsis neonatal

Background: Nosocomial sepsis is a major problem in neonatal units. Because the clinical signs are nonspecific, highly reliable diagnostic markers are required to guide diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of procalcitonin (PCT) as a diagnostic marker for nosocomial neonatal sepsis, and to compare the results of PCT with those of the most widely used laboratory tests for sepsis. Patients and Methods: Twenty neonates with nosocomial sepsis and 20 controls aged 4-30 days were included in a prospective study performed in a neonatal intensive care unit. PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte count, and the immature-to-total neutrophil ratio (I/T ratio) were measured at onset of signs of infection. The sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio for a positive (LR1) and a negative (LR­) result were calculated. Results: PCT, CRP, and the I/T ratio discriminated septic from nonseptic patients. Their areas under the ROC curve were 0.849, 0.880, and 0.884, respectively, with no statistically significant differences. Optimal cut-off values were: PCT >= 0.65 ng/ml (sensitivity 85 %, specificity 80 %, LR 1 4.25, LR­ 0.19), PCR >= 5 mg/ml (sensitivity 80 %, specificity 95 %, LR 1 16, LR­ 0.21), and I/T >= 0.03 (sensitivity 90 %, specificity 75 %, LR 1 3.6, LR­ 0.13). Conclusions: PCT may be a useful marker for the diagnosis of nosocomial neonatal sepsis. Studies with larger samples are required to compare the accuracy of PCT with that of other markers of sepsis

Reflexiones en torno a la infección en el recién nacido / Reflecions on infection in the newborn

No disponible

[Prospective evaluation of percutaneous central venous catheters in newborn infants. Castrillo Hospital Group]. / Estudio prospectivo sobre catéteres epicutáneos en neonatos, Grupo de Hospitales Castrillo.

AIM: To evaluate the current use of percutaneous central venous silastic catheters in newborn infants in Spain by analysing technical characteristics and infections, as well as mechanical and local complications. METHODS: Percutaneous central venous catheters inserted in newborns in the neonatal units of the hospitals in the OCastrillo Hospital GroupO from July 15, 1998 to December 31, 1998 were collected for prospective analysis. Each hospital was able to chose the length of the period of catheter data collection on condition that all inserted catheters were studied during the period. RESULTS: A total of 939 percutaneous venous catheters, inserted in 787 newborn infants, and representing a total of 8073 catheter-days, were analysed. Of these, 823 (88%) were inserted in upper extremity veins, 82 (8.7%) in lower extremity veins, and 31 (3.3%) in scalp veins. Catheterizations were performed in newborn infants with a wide range of weights and gestational ages, in most cases during the first week of life and with an average indwelling time of 7 days (55 days maximum). Silicone elastomer catheters were mainly used (96.8%), because of the ease of their placement (58.7% at the first attempt). Most were electively removed (61.5%). A total of 872 (92.8%) catheter tips were sent for microbiological examination and 219 (25.1%) yielded positives cultures (catheter colonization). Of these, 178 had catheter contamination and in 41 catheter-related sepsis (CRS) was confirmed. The incidence of catheter contamination was 20.4% (178/872) and was 4.7% for CRS (41/872). The density of incidence was 23 and 5.3 for each 1000 catheter-days respectively. The most common organisms isolated were Gram-positive, especially Staphylococcus epidermidis organisms (71.1% and 50% for contamination and CRS respectively). Local or mechanical complications were documented in 205 catheters, phlebitis being the most common (9.5%), especially after inserting catheters through low extremity veins; occlusion, extravasation of fluid and catheter breakage were rare complications. CONCLUSIONS: The placement of percutaneous venous catheters is common in Spanish neonatal units. This is an easy, safe and effective technique for prolonged intravenous therapy. The main problem is infection, particularly CRS caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Neonatal sepsis of vertical transmission: an epidemiological study from the "Grupo de Hospitales Castrillo".

A prospective multicenter study was designed to assess the epidemiology of neonatal sepsis of vertical transmission in Spain. The study was carried out by the "Grupo de Hospitales Castrillo" that included the neonatal services of 19 tertiary care (reference) hospitals and 9 secondary care hospitals. Prospective data from infants with culture-proved neonatal sepsis, clinical sepsis and bacteremia were recorded for 1995 to 1997. In a total of 203,288 neonates, proven sepsis was diagnosed in 515 (rate of 2.5 per 1000 live births), clinical sepsis in 724 (rate of 3.6 per 1000 live births), and bacteremia of vertical transmission in 155 (rate of 0.76 per 1000 live births). Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (< or = 1500 g) showed a significantly higher incidence of confirmed sepsis (26.5 per 1000 live births) and clinical sepsis (32.4 per 1000 live births) than infants weighing > 1500 g. Streptococcus agalactiae was the most frequent causative pathogen in cases of proven sepsis (51%) and bacteremia (33%), but Escherichia coli was the most frequently recovered organism in the VLBW group. The mortality rate of proven sepsis was significantly higher than that of clinical sepsis (8.7% versus 4.3%) (P < 0.01). In the VLBW cohort, there were no significant differences in the mortality rate between proven sepsis and clinical sepsis. In conclusion, clinical sepsis was the most frequent diagnosis, probably related to intrapartum chemoprophylaxis. Streptococcus agalactiae was the most frequent causative pathogen of culture-positive sepsis and bacteremia, whereas E. coli was the most significant in VLBW infants.

Estudio prospectivo sobre catéteres epicutáneos en neonatos. Grupo de Hospitales Castrillo / Prospective evaluation of percutaneous central venous silastic catheters in newborn infants. Castrillo hospital group

OBJETIVO: Conocer la situación actual en nuestro país sobre el empleo de catéteres epicutáneos en neonatos, analizando características técnicas y complicaciones infecciosas, mecánicas y locales. MÉTODOS: Entre el 15/7/97 y el 31/12/98, en los servicios de neonatología de los hospitales integrantes del Grupo de Hospitales Castrillo se recogieron de forma prospectiva para su análisis los catéteres epicutáneos colocados en recién nacidos (RN). Cada hospital escogía la duración del período durante el cual se recogían los catéteres, pero se impuso la condición de que durante este tiempo se debían estudiar todos los catéteres colocados. RESULTADOS: Se han analizado 939 catéteres epicutáneo-cava, colocados en 787 RN, totalizando 8.073 días-catéter. De ellos, 826 (88 por ciento) se colocaron a través de venas de extremidad superior, 82 (8,7 por ciento) a través de venas de extremidad inferior y 31 (3,3 por ciento) a través de venas del cuero cabelludo. Fueron colocados en neonatos con amplia variedad de pesos y edades gestacionales, insertándose la mayoría en la primera semana de vida y permaneciendo una media de 7 días (máximo 55 días). Se utilizaron principalmente catéteres de silicona (96,8 por ciento) siendo su colocación poco dificultosa (un 58,7 por ciento al primer intento). La mayoría se retiraron electivamente (61,5 por ciento). Se realizó cultivo de la punta en 872 catéteres (92,8 por ciento) y de ellos, 219 (25,1 por ciento) estaban colonizados. Entre los colonizados, 178 presentaban contaminación del catéter y en 41 se confirmó sepsis relacionada con catéter (SRC). La incidencia de contaminación fue del 20,4 por ciento (178/872) y de sepsis cierta relacionada con catéter del 4,7 por ciento (41/872). Para los 7.744 días-catéter de estos 872, la densidad de incidencia fue de 23 y 5,3 por 1.000 días-catéter para contaminación y sepsis, respectivamente. En la etiología de contaminación y SRC predominaron gérmenes grampositivos, destacando S. epidermidis (71,7 y 50 por ciento, respectivamente). En 205 catéteres aparecieron complicaciones locales o mecánicas, siendo la más frecuente la flebitis (9,5 por ciento), sobre todo en catéteres colocados en extremidad inferior. La obstrucción, la extravasación y la rotura fueron complicaciones infrecuentes. CONCLUSIÓN: La utilización de catéteres epicutáneos es una práctica habitual en las UCIN de nuestro país. Es una técnica de acceso venoso, fácil, segura y eficaz para la administración prolongada de soluciones intravenosas, siendo el principal problema derivado de su uso las infecciones, sobre todo las SRC originadas por S. epidermidis (AU)

[Esophageal atresia and associated anomalies]. / Atresia de esófago y anomalías asociadas.

Twenty-seven newborns with esophageal atresia were reviewed for the presence of other congenital associated anomalies. The incidence of esophageal atresia was 2.6 cases for every 10,000 live births. Associated anomalies were present in 59.25% of these cases. Cardiac malformations were the most frequent associated defect (40.7%). Ten infants met the criteria for VACTERL association. The birth weights and gestational ages were similar for both the surviving and deceased infants. Broncho-aspiration was the only significant factor associated with mortality: 75% of the infants who had broncho-aspiration died, versus only 26.3% if aspiration was not present. When associated anomalies were present, mortality was 56.25%, whereas only 18.18% of the infants without these anomalies died (p = 0.055). We conclude that only broncho-aspiration and associated anomalies relate to mortality in esophageal atresia, whereas the birth weight, the other Waterston's prognosis factor, is not important.

[Neonatal osteomyelitis. Study of a series of 35 cases]. / Osteomielitis neonatal. Estudio de una serie de 35 casos.

After a brief literature review, we analyze the results obtained with a retrospective study of 35 neonatal osteomyelitis diagnosed between 1-January-75 and 31-December-87. The valuated frequency was of 0.40% alive newborns. Between the antecedents, we find previous neonatal sepsis in 68% of the cases. The clinical general findings were less apparent, emphasizing among the local symptoms the pain to passive mobilization and swelling. From acute phase reactants, this study rebounds the high sensitivity of C reactive protein and globular sedimentation rate. The most frequently germ isolated was S. aureus followed by K. pneumoniae. The osteomyelitic injure was unifocal in 71% of the cases and the femur was the most probable bone to be affected. At the initial treatment we associated a beta-lactamic antibiotic with an aminoglycoside one in all cases, with surgical removal in 94%. The mortality was null, but grave arthritic sequels appeared in 14% of the patients. Finally, we propose the employance of seriated quantification of C-reactive protein in the follow-up and control of therapeutic efficiency.