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Changing trends of peritonsillar abscess.
Tal Marom1, Udi Cinamon, David Itskoviz
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Holon, Israel.
American Journal of Otolaryngology
|December 18, 2009
Summary
Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) characteristics are changing, with older patients experiencing worse outcomes. Smoking is identified as a potential risk factor for PTA development and complications.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common complication of tonsillitis.
- Understanding evolving trends in PTA is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the changing epidemiological and clinical characteristics of peritonsillar abscess (PTA).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study analyzing 427 PTA patient records over a 10-year period.
- Data collected from a secondary hospital setting.
Main Results:
- PTA incidence was 0.9/10,000/year, with a mean patient age of 31.6 years.
- 24.4% of patients were over 40, experiencing longer hospital stays and increased complications.
- Smoking was more prevalent in PTA patients and linked to higher complication rates.
- 66.2% of patients developed PTA despite prior antibiotic therapy.
Conclusions:
- Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) may be increasingly affecting older individuals with more severe disease.
- PTA can develop without preceding tonsillitis or despite antibiotic treatment.
- Smoking is a potential predisposing factor for peritonsillar abscess.
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