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Published on: June 20, 2020
Deep neck space abscesses in children below 5 years of age and their complications
Avani Jain1, Ishwar Singh1, Ravi Meher1
1Department of ENT, MAMC, New Delhi, India.
Insights
Deep neck space abscesses in children under five require prompt surgical treatment and antibiotics. Younger children and those with multiple or retropharyngeal abscesses face higher complication risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Infections
Background:
- Deep neck space abscesses are serious infections in children.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Understanding risk factors for complications aids in patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the outcomes and complications of deep neck space abscesses.
- Focus on pediatric patients under 5 years of age.
- Analyze a 15-year dataset from a tertiary care center in India.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 510 children under 5 years with deep neck space abscesses.
- Evaluation of clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings.
- Surgical incision and drainage, pus culture, and complication incidence recording.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen (21%), with a 9% incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).
- Overall complication rate was 10%.
- Children under 2 years, those with multiple abscesses, or retropharyngeal abscesses showed increased complication rates.
Conclusions:
- Prompt surgical intervention and intravenous antibiotics are effective for pediatric deep neck abscesses.
- Younger children (<2 years) and those with complex abscesses are at higher risk.
- This study highlights key factors influencing outcomes in pediatric deep neck infections.
Objectives:
To study the outcomes and complications of deep neck space abscesses in children less than 5 years of age over a period of 15 years.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of children less than 5 years of age with deep neck space abscesses over a 15-year period was conducted at a tertiary care centre in India. Patients were evaluated with respect to the clinical, radiological and laboratory findings. All patients underwent surgical incision and drainage of the abscess and pus cultures were obtained. The incidence of complications was recorded. The collected data was tabulated and statistical analysis was done.
Results:
A total of 510 children less than 5 years of age were identified who were admitted for deep neck space abscess over a 15-year period. The mean age was 23.6 months. The most common organism isolated in the pus was Staphylococcus aureus (21%). The incidence of methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was 9%. Complications were reported in 10% patients.
Conclusion:
Paediatric deep neck abscesses can be managed with prompt surgical management and intravenous antibiotics. Children less than 2 years of age, and those with multiple abscesses or retropharyngeal abscess were more prone to complications.
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