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Head and neck infections in pediatric cardiac transplant patients

J Haddad1, T V Inglesby, L Addonizio

  • 1Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, Babies Hospital North, New York, NY 10032, USA.

Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|June 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric cardiac transplant recipients on immunosuppression face a high risk of head and neck infections, including sinusitis and otitis media. Early diagnosis and treatment, aided by tympanocentesis, are crucial for managing these infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Transplant Immunology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Pediatric cardiac transplant recipients require long-term immunosuppression.
  • Head and neck infections are a potential complication in immunocompromised patients.
  • Understanding infection patterns is vital for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence, causes, and management of head and neck infections in pediatric cardiac transplant patients.
  • To identify common and unusual pathogens associated with these infections.
  • To evaluate the role of diagnostic procedures like tympanocentesis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who underwent cardiac transplantation.
  • Inclusion criteria: patients receiving standard immunosuppressive therapy.
  • Exclusion criteria: patients who died within three months post-transplant.

Main Results:

  • 82 head and neck infections were documented in 27 out of 44 reviewed patients (61%).
  • Common infections included sinusitis (26 episodes), otitis media (27 episodes), and tonsillitis/pharyngitis (20 episodes).
  • Unusual middle-ear pathogens identified: Morganella morgagni and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric cardiac transplant patients on immunosuppression are at significant risk for head and neck infections.
  • Infections can be caused by unusual or unexpected microorganisms.
  • Tympanocentesis is important for diagnosing and treating middle-ear infections in this population.

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