Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 3, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

15.7K

The Public Health Impact of Pediatric Deep Neck Space Infections

Eelam Adil1, Yael Tarshish2, David Roberson1

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery : Official Journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
|September 27, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric deep neck space infections (DNSIs) result in over 3400 annual admissions, significant healthcare costs, and longer hospital stays with surgical intervention. Further research, potentially a randomized controlled trial, is warranted to optimize management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Otolaryngology
  • Health services research

Background:

  • Deep neck space infections (DNSIs) in children lack standardized management protocols.
  • The national disease burden and economic impact of pediatric DNSIs are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the national healthcare burden, management approaches, and complication rates of pediatric deep neck space infections.
  • To provide a national perspective on the incidence and costs associated with pediatric DNSIs.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of the 2009 Kids' Inpatient Database (KIDS).
  • Identification of pediatric patients with parapharyngeal and/or retropharyngeal abscesses.
  • Comparison of demographic, hospital, and clinical characteristics between surgically and non-surgically managed patients, with weighted analyses.

Main Results:

  • Over 3400 pediatric DNSI admissions occurred in 2009, with an incidence of 4.6 per 100,000 children.
  • Total hospital charges exceeded $75 million; surgical management was associated with a 22% longer length of stay and nearly double the hospital charges compared to medical management.
  • A complication rate of 4.8% (165 patients) was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric DNSIs represent a substantial public health concern, contributing significantly to inpatient resource utilization and healthcare expenditures.
  • The findings suggest a need for a public health-focused randomized controlled trial to establish optimal management guidelines for pediatric DNSIs.
Abstract

Keywords:
deep neck space infectionparapharyngealpublic healthretropharyngeal abscess

More Related Videos

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA

Published on: February 9, 2011

23.8K
Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats04:12

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats

Published on: March 28, 2025

688

Related Concept Videos

Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
3.3K
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
1.3K
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
4.9K
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more...
34
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
2.0K
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
37