The Total Acute Phase Response Predicts Complications In Children With Musculoskeletal Infection

Purpose: Pediatric musculoskeletal infection leads to intense activation of the acute phase response (APR) that persists until the infection is cleared by antibiotic therapy and/or surgical management. While the acute phase response is essential for tissue healing and regeneration, over-activation of the acute phase response is maladaptive and may lead to systemic complications including thrombosis, organ failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. In the setting of severe infections, continuous activation of the APR has the potential to become dysregulated. The magnitude of the acute …