Related Experiment Videos

Paediatric neck abscesses: microbiology and management

I K Rustom1, J A T Sandoe, Z G G Makura

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Leeds General Infirmary, UK. isamrustom@hotmail.com

The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|June 15, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Paediatric neck abscesses are common, with neck mass being the most frequent symptom. Effective treatment involves antibiotics and surgical drainage, with a low recurrence rate.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Pediatric neck abscesses present frequent management challenges.
  • Understanding common presentations and causative agents is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze presenting symptoms of pediatric neck abscesses.
  • To evaluate antibiotic appropriateness and the role of atypical mycobacteria.
  • To identify factors influencing clinical resolution.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 64 children undergoing incision and drainage for neck abscesses.
  • Data collected on demographics, symptoms, microbiology, and treatment.
  • Clinical resolution served as the primary outcome measure.

Main Results:

  • The most common symptom was neck mass (96.9%).
  • Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant organism (48.4%).
  • Atypical mycobacteria were identified in 4.7% of cases, with a 4.7% recurrence rate.

Conclusions:

  • Intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage are the cornerstone of treatment.
  • Atypical mycobacterial infection is a key differential diagnosis for painless neck masses.
  • A management algorithm for pediatric neck abscesses is proposed.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause: