Escherichia coli infected scalp abscess with osteomyelitis following a cephalhaematoma in a neonate

Trop Doct. 2024 Oct;54(4):377-379. doi: 10.1177/00494755241257557. Epub 2024 Jun 5.

Abstract

We discuss an illustrative case of Escherichia coli infected scalp abscess with osteomyelitis following a cephalhaematoma in a 19-day-old neonate. Cephalhaematoma is a common occurrence in neonates after prolonged labour, instrument-assisted, and traumatic deliveries and resolves spontaneously in the majority of cases. Infection may follow haematogenous dissemination or direct inoculation via a skin breach. Complications such as scalp abscess, sepsis, and osteomyelitis of the skull present with local signs, including increasing size, local erythema and tenderness, and fluctuant swelling.

Keywords: Escherichia coli; cephalhaematoma; neonate; osteomyelitis; scalp abscess.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess* / microbiology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Birth Injuries / complications
  • Escherichia coli / isolation & purification
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / complications
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / diagnosis
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / drug therapy
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / microbiology
  • Female
  • Hematoma* / etiology
  • Hematoma* / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Osteomyelitis* / diagnosis
  • Osteomyelitis* / drug therapy
  • Osteomyelitis* / microbiology
  • Scalp* / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents