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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
08:50
A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
Published on: June 24, 2020
Mediastinitis in infants from deep neck space infections
Rahul K Shah1, Robert Chun, Sukgi S Choi
1Division of Otolaryngology, Children's National Medical Center, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA. rshah@cnmc.org
Summary
Infants with deep neck infections require vigilant monitoring for mediastinal extension. Prompt imaging, antibiotics, and surgical intervention are crucial for survival and preventing long-term issues in pediatric mediastinitis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Critical Care
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
Background:
- Deep neck space infections in infants can progress to life-threatening mediastinitis.
- Early recognition and management are critical for favorable outcomes.
Observation:
- A case series of four infants with retropharyngeal phlegmons and mediastinal extension is presented.
- Patients ranged from 8 to 18 months old and were treated with antibiotics and surgical drainage.
- Methicillin-sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus were identified pathogens.
Findings:
- All four infants survived without long-term morbidity following aggressive management.
- Surgical intervention, including video-assisted thoracoscopic debridement, was necessary in three patients.
- Peak white blood cell counts varied significantly among the patients.
Implications:
- Pediatric deep neck infections warrant close observation for mediastinal involvement.
- Multidisciplinary management involving imaging, antibiotics, and surgery is essential.
- Infant mediastinitis may have a better prognosis than in adults, suggesting a distinct disease process.
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