Comparison of Outcome between Short Versus Long Term Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy on Septic Arthritis of Young Infant in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Septic arthritis in young infants is a serious condition that can cause joint destruction and longterm impairment.This study aims to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of short-term versus longterm parenteral antimicrobial therapy for septic arthritis in young infants.Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of short-term versus long-term parenteral antimicrobial therapy in young infants with septic arthritis at a tertiary care hospital.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 2021 to June 2023.Sixty-nine infants (0-2 months) with septic arthritis were randomized into two groups to receive either long-term or short-term parenteral antibiotics.Follow-up occurred quarterly with final radiographic assessment at 12 months.Data were analyzed using SPSS v26; p<0.05 was considered significant.Results: The study of 69 infants revealed no significant differences between Group A and Group B in baseline characteristics, readmission rates, blood culture results, or radiological and hematological parameters.Both groups showed similar clinical responses to therapy, with Group A responding faster (91.4% within 7 days vs. 85.3% within 14 days).After one year, most patients in both groups showed improvement, with no significant difference in outcomes or complications.Conclusion: Short-term parenteral antibiotics are equally effective as long-term treatment for septic arthritis in young infants, with similar outcomes in clinical and radiological improvement, as well as adverse events.