Antibiotic pretreatment and culture yield in pediatric osteoarticular infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Key messageIn this systematic review and metaanalysis of 9 studies comprising 1,704 tissue culture specimens from children with osteoarticular infection, antibiotic pretreatment was not associated with reduced tissue culture yield (odds ratio, 1.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.08).Empiric anti biotic therapy should not be withheld to preserve culture yield in suspected osteoarticular infection; invasive cul tures should be obtained at the earliest safe opportunity without delaying treatment.