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Updated: Aug 14, 2025

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
Factors associated with prolonged hospitalizations from odontogenic infections in children
Michael V Joachim1,2, Mary Abdo3, Kutaiba Alkeesh1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel.
Objective:
Oro-facial infections are common pathologies comprising a substantial health concern in the pediatric population. Incorrect or late treatment may lead to serious and possibly life-threatening complications. The aim of this study is to analyze variables associated with prolonged length of hospital stays (LOS) due to odontogenic infections in children.
Study Design:
Data was collected from the records of patients (age <15 years) hospitalized due to odontogenic infections at Poriya Medical Center during the period of 1/2010-12/2015. Patients with oro-facial infections originating from other organs were excluded from the study as well as children with underlying systemic medical conditions that may affect recovery.
Results:
A total of 411 patients (mean age 6.5 ± 2 years) were included in this study, with 58.4% being male. There were significantly higher (p < 0.05) values of white blood cell (WBC) counts in patients with >3 days LOS. Patients with >3 days LOS were also significantly older (8.4 vs. 6.3 years). There were no significant differences in sex distribution or other clinical or laboratory parameters between the groups.
Conclusion:
Older child age and higher WBC counts on admission are indicators for prolonged LOS.
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