
Revista Ecuatoriana de Pediatría | ISSNe: 2737-6494
Pagína 49 | VOL.26 N°3 (2025)Septiembre - Diciembre
Reporte de Caso
the increasing emergence of antimicrobial
resistance and methicillin-resistant strains
(MRSA). In our patient, the isolated strain
was methicillin-susceptible, which represents
a favorable prognostic factor.
The diagnosis of maxillary osteomyelitis is
primarily clinical and supported by labo-
ratory and imaging studies. Inflammatory
markers such as leukocyte count and C-re-
active protein (CRP) are useful for monito-
ring disease progression; CRP values below
20 mg/L have been associated with crite-
ria for discontinuation of antibiotic therapy.
However, independent predictors of MRSA
infection have been described, including
elevated body temperature, low hematocrit,
leukocytosis, and increased CRP levels
18
.
Computed tomography and magnetic reso-
nance imaging are essential tools for asses-
sing changes in tissue density, lytic lesions,
and periosteal involvement associated with
maxillary osteomyelitis
19
. In our patient, initial
imaging demonstrated increased density of
the maxillary and ethmoidal sinuses and
hypertrophy of the nasal turbinate mucosa,
followed by progression to lytic lesions of
the maxillary bone, confirmed on subse-
quent imaging studies.
The treatment of maxillary osteomyelitis re-
mains controversial, as there is no absolute
consensus regarding exclusive conservati-
ve management with antibiotics versus the
need for surgical intervention. Since the first
reported cases, treatment has been gui-
ded by microbiological sensitivity; penicillin
has historically been used as first-line thera-
py
14,16
. In our patient, empirical therapy with
an aminopenicillin and an aminoglycoside
was initiated to cover S. aureus and enteric
gram-negative bacteria. However, definitive
antimicrobial selection depends on the iso-
lated pathogen, its susceptibility profile, and
local resistance patterns; in cases of sus-
pected or confirmed MRSA infection, van-
comycin is the treatment of choice
19
.
The duration of antibiotic therapy depends
on the association with acute bacterial ar-
thritis and the presence of osteomyelitis.
In cases without osteomyelitis, a 10–14-day
course of antibiotics is recommended
20
. In
patients with osteomyelitis and isolation of
S. aureus, treatment should be extended to
3–4 weeks, with longer courses required for
resistant organisms
13,21
. In the present case,
with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus isolated
from blood and maxillary secretion cultures,
three weeks of vancomycin therapy were
completed due to initial concern for MRSA,
considering risk factors such as age and
extensive involvement of adjacent structu-
res. The patient showed favorable clinical
evolution without neurological complica-
tions and was discharged on oral linco-
samide therapy, in accordance with inter-
national guidelines for the management of
osteomyelitis
21
.
Conclusion
Maxillary osteomyelitis in the neonatal pe-
riod is an uncommon condition but is asso-
ciated with significant morbidity and morta-
lity. Early diagnosis is often challenging due
to the nonspecific nature of initial clinical
manifestations and the rapid progression to
orbital and systemic complications. This case
highlights the importance of maintaining a
high index of suspicion in infants with facial
or periorbital cellulitis showing poor respon-
se or refractory evolution to initial therapy,
as well as the need for a multidisciplinary
approach involving neonatology, infectious
diseases, and maxillofacial surgery to opti-
mize clinical outcomes. Timely recognition
and early initiation of appropriate antibiotic
therapy remain critical in preserving func-
tion, preventing aesthetic sequelae, and im-
proving overall prognosis.
Author contributions
Armijos Cevallos: Preparation of the original
manuscript drafts. Delgado Macías: Con-
ceptualization and manuscript writing. Her-
nández Cedeño: Critical review and con-
tent validation. Villalta Herrera: Resource
provision. Chávez Aurora: Study supervision.
Mosquera Reyma: Study supervision.
Ethical Statement
This clinical case is presented anonymously,
ensuring protection of patient identity and