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Pediatric maxillofacial infections: a retrospective study of 113 patients
T B Dodson1, D H Perrott, L B Kaban
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Insights
Maxillofacial infections in children differ by location and age. Upper facial infections were common in younger children with unknown sources, while lower facial infections in older children often stemmed from dental issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Maxillofacial surgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Maxillofacial infections in children present unique challenges.
- Understanding age-related differences in infection patterns is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics of pediatric maxillofacial infections.
- To compare upper and lower facial infections in hospitalized children.
- To evaluate empiric antibiotic therapy based on infection location.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 113 hospitalized children with maxillofacial infections.
- Analysis of infection location (upper vs. lower face) and patient age.
- Review of identified infection sources and prescribed empiric antibiotics.
Main Results:
- Upper facial infections (orbits, sinuses, maxillary teeth, cheeks) were more frequent in younger children (mean age 4.03 years), often with unknown origins.
- Lower facial infections (mandibular teeth, submental, sublingual, submandibular) were more common in older children (mean age 5.56 years), frequently of odontogenic origin.
- Empiric treatment involved second-generation cephalosporins for upper face and penicillin for lower face infections.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric maxillofacial infections demonstrate distinct patterns based on anatomical location and age.
- Age-specific differences in infection source and treatment strategies are evident.
- Empiric antibiotic selection should consider the likely origin and location of pediatric maxillofacial infections.
Abstract:
This is a retrospective review of 113 hospitalized children with maxillofacial infections. The upper face (orbits, paranasal sinuses, maxillary teeth, and cheeks) was affected most frequently in younger children (mean age = 4.03 years), and the source of infection was often unknown. The patients were treated empirically with a second-generation cephalosporin. Lower-face infections (mandibular teeth, submental, sublingual, and submandibular structures) occurred more frequently in older children (mean age = 5.56 years) and were likely to be of odontogenic origin. Empiric therapy in lower face infections usually consisted of penicillin.