Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2025
Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
Demographic disparities in children with retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses
Emily A Garvey1, Taylor L Jamil2, Jessica R Levi3
1Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
Insights
Pediatric retropharyngeal (RPA) and parapharyngeal abscesses (PPA) diagnoses are more common in children with higher socioeconomic status and private insurance. These findings highlight demographic disparities in RPA and PPA diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Health Services Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Retropharyngeal abscesses (RPA) and parapharyngeal abscesses (PPA) are serious infections in children.
- Understanding demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing RPA/PPA diagnosis is crucial for targeted healthcare.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated these disparities in a national pediatric cohort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of demographic and socioeconomic factors on the diagnosis of pediatric RPA and PPA.
- To identify specific factors such as age, gender, race, and insurance status associated with RPA/PPA diagnosis.
- To analyze national data to reveal disparities in diagnosis within the pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the 2016 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kids Inpatient Database (KID).
- Identified pediatric discharges with RPA/PPA using ICD-10 code J39.0.
- Performed descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariate analyses to assess associations, reporting odds ratios and p-values.
Main Results:
- The incidence of RPA/PPA was 56.4 per 100,000 weighted discharges.
- The average age of affected children was 5.7 years, with a male predominance.
- Children less likely to be diagnosed included Hispanic/Asian/Pacific Islanders, those with Medicaid, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Conclusions:
- Significant demographic and socioeconomic disparities exist in the diagnosis of pediatric RPA/PPAs.
- Children from higher socioeconomic backgrounds and with private insurance were more likely to receive an RPA/PPA diagnosis.
- Further research is needed to explore disparities in hospital course and complications.
Purpose:
To explore the impact that demographic and socioeconomic factors such as age, gender, race, and insurance status have on the diagnosis of retropharyngeal (RPA) and parapharyngeal abscesses (PPA) in the pediatric population.
Methods:
The 2016 HCUP KID was searched for all RPA/PPA discharges using the joint ICD-10 code J39.0. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the relationship between demographic factors and their impact on RPA/PPA diagnosis. Results were reported with their corresponding odds ratio with a 95 % confidence interval and p-value.
Results:
56.4 per 100,000 weighted discharges were discharged with a diagnosis of a RPA/PPA, the average age was 5.7 years old, with a male predominance. Pediatric discharges diagnosed with a RPA/PPA were less likely to identify as Hispanic or Asian/Island Pacific. They were also less likely to be insured by Medicaid and reside in zip codes with a lower median income.
Conclusion:
The analysis of this national pediatric database demonstrated significant demographic differences in children diagnosed with RPA/PPAs. Following the multivariate analysis, children from a higher socioeconomic background and those with private insurance were more likely to be diagnosed with a RPA/PPAs. However, disparities in children's overall hospital course and complications is a potential area for future research.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:30Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
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...