Multicenter epidemiological investigation and analysis of factors associated with transient synovitis of the hip in 5065 children treated across 32 tertiary children’s hospitals in China

Purpose This study analyzes the demographic information, concurrent infectious diseases, treatment methods, and hospitalization costs for children with transient synovitis of the hip (TSH) in China and to provide a scientific basis for its early diagnosis, treatment decisions, and preventive measures. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of children with TSH who were hospitalized across 32 pediatric tertiary hospitals affiliated with China’s Futang Research Center of Pediatric Development between December 1, 2015, and December 31, 2022. We used the ICD10 codes on the first page of the medical records to identify the cases and extracted data on age, sex, diagnosis, concurrent infectious diseases, treatment methods, season of treatment, region, and various expenses incurred during hospitalization. Results The study cohort comprised a total of 5065 children, including 3711 males and 1354 females. The age group with the highest number of TSH cases was the preschool children group, with 2452 cases (48.4%), and the lowest number of cases was recorded in the adolescent group, with 119 cases (2.3%). In terms of hospitalization time, the adolescent group had the longest average hospitalization time of 9.4 ± 5.6 days. In terms of the distribution of onset time, the largest proportion of TSH cases was recorded in winter (26.52%), and the smallest proportion, in spring (23.06%). In terms of the geographical distribution of onset, the number of cases in East China was higher than that in other geographical regions. In addition, among the 5065 children included, 16.7% had infectious diseases, of which respiratory tract infections accounted for the largest proportion (92.6%), followed by gastrointestinal infections (3.0%). In terms of treatment options, children were more likely to receive conservative treatment (7,667 instances) than surgical treatment (80 instances). Among conservative treatments, the most common was skin traction (4,508 instances). Among the various hospitalization expenses, the cost of examinations was the highest, reaching RMB 1,312(Renminbi, China's official currency). Conclusion This study provides important clinical data supporting the epidemiological characteristics and treatment of children with TSH in China and provides a scientific basis for strengthening the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of the disease that could help reduce the public health burden posed by TSH and optimize the treatment process.