Transitioning antimicrobials from intravenous to oral in pediatric acute uncomplicated osteomyelitis

Figure 1 Proposed algorithm of the transition to oral antibiotics from intravenous therapy for pediatric patients with acute uncomplicated osteomyelitis. ¹Patient must be afebrile, have remarkably improved focal tenderness, and tolerate oral medication. If they do not meet these criteria, continue IV therapy until these criteria are met; ²Consider rechecking CRP level in 3-7 d and re-evaluating the appropriateness of continuing IV therapy vs switching to an oral antibiotic for a total antibiotic course of 4-6 wk (note: The method used in this scenario has not yet been clinically studied and validated). CRP: C-reactive protein; IV: Intravenous.