Related Experiment Videos
Pattern of retropharyngeal abscess in Nigerian children
Insights
Retropharyngeal abscesses in Nigerian children are common in infants under 6 months, often presenting with airway obstruction. Soft-tissue neck X-rays can be unreliable, with Hemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pyogenes being key pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Retropharyngeal abscess is a serious infection in children.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent airway compromise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology and bacteriology of retropharyngeal abscess in Nigerian children.
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of soft-tissue neck X-rays.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case study at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
- Analysis of patient demographics, clinical presentation, and microbiological data.
- Review of soft-tissue neck X-ray findings.
Main Results:
- Most common in males under 6 months (5:3 ratio).
- Delayed presentation with airway obstruction was frequent.
- Soft-tissue neck X-rays yielded 22.58% false-positive results.
- Predominant organisms: Hemophilus influenzae (45.84%) and Streptococcus pyogenes (33.33%).
- All cases were secondary to upper respiratory tract infections.
Conclusions:
- Retropharyngeal abscess in Nigerian children presents unique challenges.
- Diagnostic imaging requires careful interpretation due to potential inaccuracies.
- Prompt management is vital, considering common bacterial culprits and upper respiratory tract infection as the source.
Abstract:
A study of cases of retropharyngeal abscess in Nigerian children was carried out. It occurred most commonly in children under the age of 6 months and in more male children than female in a ratio of 5:3.Most children seen at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital were brought in late with the upper airway already obstructed. A diagnostic tool of soft-tissue x-ray examination of the neck is not foolproof. In fact, 22.58 percent of soft-tissue x-ray examinations of the neck in this study produced false-positive results. Factors contributing to these results are discussed.Bacteriology showed the main organisms to be Hemophilus influenzae (45.84 percent) and Streptococcus pyogenes (33.33 percent). All cases were found to be secondary to upper respiratory tract infection.