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Published on: November 16, 2016

Retropharyngeal abscess in children: the emerging role of group A beta hemolytic streptococcus

Nahed M Abdel-Haq1, Ashraf Harahsheh, Basim L Asmar

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Michigan, 3901 Beaubien Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. nabdel@dmc.org

Southern Medical Journal
|September 29, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) cases have significantly increased, with a notable rise in Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) infections. Treatment involved antibiotics and drainage, leading to full recovery in all pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) incidence has recently increased in pediatric hospital admissions.
  • A 4.5-fold rise in RPA cases was observed over an 11-year period (1993-2003).
  • The majority of cases occurred within the latter four years of the study period.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the incidence of retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) in children.
  • To analyze the microbiology of pediatric RPA cases.
  • To evaluate treatment outcomes for pediatric RPA.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records for children diagnosed with RPA.
  • Analysis of microbiological data from abscess specimens.
  • Review of treatment regimens and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Sixty-seven pediatric RPA cases were identified, showing a 4.5-fold increase in incidence.
  • Computed tomography confirmed inflammatory or ring-enhancing lesions in all patients.
  • Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) was recovered in 54% of specimens, a significant increase from previous periods.
  • Treatment included intravenous and oral antibiotics, with abscess drainage in 76% of cases.
  • All patients achieved a full recovery.

Conclusions:

  • Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is an increasing polymicrobial infection in children.
  • A significant association was found between increased RPA incidence and higher recovery rates of GABHS.
  • Further investigation is needed to determine if increased GABHS strain invasiveness contributes to the rising incidence.
Abstract

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