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Increased incidence of head and neck abscesses in children

Cristina E Cabrera1, Ellen S Deutsch, Stephen Eppes

  • 1Department of Surgery, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Nemours Children's Clinic, Wilmington, DE 19899, USA.

Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery : Official Journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
|February 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Head and neck abscesses in children are increasing, particularly neck abscesses and sinusitis complications. Group A Streptococcus is a significant and potentially rising cause of these pediatric infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Otolaryngology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Head and neck abscesses in children present a significant clinical challenge.
  • Understanding trends in incidence and microbiology is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the changing incidence and microbiology of pediatric head and neck abscesses.
  • To investigate trends from 2000 to 2003 in a tertiary care pediatric hospital.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 89 pediatric patients (<19 years) admitted for head and neck abscesses or sinusitis complications.
  • Data collected for the first quarters of 2000-2003.
  • Incidence and microbiology analyzed using chi-squared test.

Main Results:

  • A notable increase in head and neck infection admissions was observed in 2003.
  • The most significant rise was seen in neck abscesses and complications stemming from acute sinusitis.
  • Group A Streptococcus was identified as a key pathogen.

Conclusions:

  • Group A Streptococcus continues to be a major contributor to pediatric head and neck infections.
  • The increasing incidence of Group A Streptococcus infections may be linked to its specific biological characteristics.
Abstract

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