Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2025
In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection
Published on: June 23, 2020
Deep neck space infections of odontogenic origin are costly and preventable
Christina Hellgren1, Johan Hellgren2, Behnosh Öhrnell Malekzadeh3
1Clinic of General Dentistry Järntorget, Public Dental Service, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. christina.m.hellgren@vgregion.se.
Objective:
Deep neck space infections (DNSI), caused by the spread of an odontogenic infection to the floor of the mouth and neck, are potentially life-threatening but preventable. We explored the total cost of illness (COI) for patients with DNSI of odontogenic origin.
Material And Methods:
Cross-sectional, register-based, multi-centre study of the health economics of DNSI treatment. Included were patients aged > 18 years who were treated in hospital for DNSI of odontogenic origin. Subjects were identified from the regional healthcare database VEGA based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes and surgical procedure codes. The cost per patient (CPP) values for the hospital care, prescription medications and sick leave were extracted.
Results:
In total, 148 patients were included. The average length of the hospital stay was 6 days. Total COI was estimated as 15,400 EUR per patient and 2,280,000 EUR in total. Direct costs accounted for 93% of the COI, and indirect costs were 7%.
Conclusion:
The total COI for patients with DNSI of odontogenic origin was six-fold higher than the average COI for patients in otorhinolaryngology (ORL) care. Preventing DNSI will entail substantial cost savings for the specialised healthcare units and will have a significant impact on the patients.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
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...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
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,...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.