Maxillofacial space infection experience and risk factors: a retrospective study of 222 cases

Maxillofacial space infection (MSI) experience review is beneficial for its management.

To identify potential risk factors predisposing to the exacerbation of MSI and a prolonged length of stay (LOS).

We performed a comprehensive retrospective review of medical records of 222 MSI patients admitted in Center of Stomatology during 1993-2019.

About 63.5% of 222 patients had an odontogenic infection, and submandibular space was the most involved space. Streptococcus spp. was the most common organism isolated (72.4%). Multiple-space cases had more systemic diseases, respiratory difficulty, and life-threatening complications and exhibited worse clinical characteristics (higher white-blood-cell-count, higher body temperature, and restricted mouth opening) than single-space cases (P < 0.05). No significant difference in LOS was found between multiple-space cases and single-space cases. Diabetes and hypertension both accounted for 35.1% in life-threatening cases. Multiple-space infection (60.4%), respiratory difficulty (11.7%), and systemic conditions (43.2%) were identified as critical risk factors associated with life-threatening complications in MSI patients (P < 0.001). A significantly prolonged LOS was found in cases aged ≥ 60 years or with systemic diseases. Community outpatient treatment shortened 1.9 days of LOS compared with self-medication before admission during 2010-2019 (P < 0.05).

Comprehensive managements are advisable for MSI patients with multiple-space infection, respiratory difficulty, systemic diseases to avoid disseminated exacerbation, and occurrence of life-threatening complications. Community outpatient treatment was beneficial to a reduced LOS. Timely access to dental outpatient management and simultaneously steady control of diabetes and hypertension was advocated. Improved coverage of insured dental outpatient treatment should be stressed.