Related Experiment Videos
Acute paediatric neck abscesses
1Department of Otolaryngology, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow. davidmcgregorwynne@hotmail.com
Insights
This study on pediatric cervical abscesses found Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes as common causes. Prompt surgical intervention and targeted antibiotic therapy are crucial for effective management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acute neck swellings in children often require antibiotic treatment and surgical drainage if an abscess is suspected.
- Causative organisms and optimal management strategies for pediatric cervical abscesses can vary.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in microbiology, antibiotic sensitivity, clinical evaluation, and management of acute cervical abscesses in children.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of investigations and treatment options for pediatric cervical abscesses.
Main Methods:
- A five-year retrospective study of 175 children admitted with acute cervical abscesses (duration ≤ 4 weeks).
- Data collected included patient demographics, surgical outcomes, microbiological cultures, and antibiotic sensitivities.
- Ultrasound imaging was utilized in a subset of patients to guide surgical intervention.
Main Results:
- Surgery was performed in 70% of cases, with pus confirmed in 93% of those operated on.
- Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen (46%), predominantly sensitive to flucloxacillin and erythromycin.
- Streptococcus pyogenes was identified in 15% of cases, with varying sensitivities to penicillin and erythromycin.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are key pathogens in pediatric cervical abscesses.
- Antibiotic sensitivity patterns highlight the importance of targeted therapy.
- Surgical drainage combined with appropriate antibiotic treatment remains the cornerstone of management.
Abstract:
Acute neck swellings in a paediatric setting are often treated with antibiotics, proceeding to incision and drainage if an abscess is suspected. A variety of investigations are available and the causative organism can vary. A five-year retrospective study analysing trends in microbiology, antibiotic sensitivity, clinical evaluation and management of children presenting with an acute cervical abscess of four weeks duration or less was performed. The case notes of 175 children admitted between January 1996 and December 2000 to the acute surgical admission unit at the Royal Hospital of Sick Children, Glasgow were studied. During this period there were 90 males and 85 females with a mean age of three years (range: one month to 13 years). One hundred and twenty three (70%) children underwent surgery with pus being confirmed in 114 (93%) of cases. Ultrasound was performed in 70 (40%) patients with 48 proceeding to surgery. Positive culture of pus from abscess cavities revealed Staphylococcus aureus in 46% (85% sensitive to both flucloxacillin and erythromycin) and Streptococcus pyogenes in 15% (80% sensitive to penicillin and 75% to erythromycin). The role of investigations and the available treatment options are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
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:
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management