Double-Edged Sword: Musculoskeletal Infection Provoked Acute Phase Response in Children

Abstract

The acute phase response has a crucial role in mounting the body's response to tissue injury. Excessive activation of the acute phase response is responsible for many complications that occur in orthopedic patients. Given that infection may be considered continuous tissue injury that persistently activates the acute phase response, children with musculoskeletal infections are at markedly increased risk for serious complications. Future strategies that modulate the acute phase response have the potential to improve treatment and prevent complications associated with musculoskeletal infection.

Keywords: Acute phase response; Musculoskeletal infection; Osteomyelitis; Pyomyositis; Septic arthritis.