Predisposing factors of life-threatening deep neck infection: logistic regression analysis of 214 cases

In the era of antibiotics, most deep neck infections can be cured by conservative treatment, but some still result in life-threatening complications. In this study, we discuss whether or not there are predisposing factors of complicated deep neck infection.

A retrospective chart review of patients presenting between 1988 and 1996 was conducted.

Among 214 deep neck infection patients, 18 cases resulted in lethal complications. We used the "dummy" variable with logistic regression as the statistical analysis method.

Patients with an underlying disease, neck swelling, and delay time had a positive correlation that was statistically significance (p < .05). Patients who were older, male, with complete blood count/differential count-positive finding and fever had positive correlation, but this was not statistically significant (p > .05).

Although complicated deep neck infection is a rapidly progressive disease with a high mortality, we can not thoroughly predict the prognosis or avoid it happening completely. But, if we can detect and pay more attention to the high-risk group of patients with use of aggressive therapy, the incidence of complicated deep neck infection may be reduced.