A previously well 8-year-old with acute haematogenous osteomyelitis of the femur has been afebrile for 5 days with falling CRP on intravenous antibiotics. Blood and bone cultures grew methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. According to standard paediatric practice, what is the recommended total duration of antibiotic therapy?

• A Single-dose intravenous therapy followed by observation alone
• B 48 hours of intravenous therapy followed by 1 week of oral therapy
• C A minimum of 6 months of combination antistaphylococcal therapy
• D 3 to 4 weeks total, switching from intravenous to oral once clinically improving ✓

Explanation

Acute haematogenous osteomyelitis in children is treated with 3 to 4 weeks of total antibiotic therapy, beginning intravenously and switching to high-dose oral agents once the child is afebrile, clinically improving, and the CRP is falling. Short courses risk relapse, and prolonged months-long regimens are reserved for chronic infection or unusual hosts. Indian teaching follows the same convention.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.