What would you likely find in the joint aspirate of a child with a septic joint?

What would you likely find in the joint aspirate of a child with a septic joint?

• A. Serous fluid
• B. Low WBC
• C. Low glucose
• D. Bony fragments

Answer: (C)

In a child with a septic joint, the joint aspirate typically demonstrates an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, predominantly with neutrophils indicating the presence of infection. Along with a significant WBC count, it is common to find low glucose levels in the aspirate. This is because the bacteria present consume the glucose for energy and the inflammatory process further affects glucose levels within the joint environment. Thus, low glucose becomes a key indicator of septic arthritis. Serous fluid would not typically be seen in a septic joint, as the presence of infection generally leads to inflammatory fluid with increased cellular content. Additionally, a low WBC count would not be expected in a septic joint; rather, a very high WBC count is characteristic. Lastly, the presence of bony fragments would suggest trauma or a different underlying condition, such as osteomyelitis, not septic arthritis. Therefore, the identification of low glucose in the joint aspirate aligns with the classic findings associated with a septic joint and supports the diagnosis effectively.

In a child with a septic joint, the joint aspirate typically demonstrates an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, predominantly with neutrophils indicating the presence of infection. Along with a significant WBC count, it is common to find low glucose levels in the aspirate. This is because the bacteria present consume the glucose for energy and the inflammatory process further affects glucose levels within the joint environment. Thus, low glucose becomes a key indicator of septic arthritis.

Serous fluid would not typically be seen in a septic joint, as the presence of infection generally leads to inflammatory fluid with increased cellular content. Additionally, a low WBC count would not be expected in a septic joint; rather, a very high WBC count is characteristic. Lastly, the presence of bony fragments would suggest trauma or a different underlying condition, such as osteomyelitis, not septic arthritis. Therefore, the identification of low glucose in the joint aspirate aligns with the classic findings associated with a septic joint and supports the diagnosis effectively.