Deep neck infection in children

Chun Hsin Liu, Chia Der Lin*, Yuan Kai Cheng, Hsiao Chuan Lin, Ming Hsui Tsai

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: Deep neck infection is a potentially life-threatening disease and rarely seen in children. Because of the obscure complaints and symptoms, the diagnosis of deep neck infection may be delayed, which may result in inappropriate treatment. This retrospective study was aimed at analyzing the occurrence of complications, diagnostic methods and proper managements of deep neck infection in children. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 30 children with deep neck infection treated from October 1999 through October 2003. The etiology, clinical symptoms, laboratory examination, radiological examination, bacteriology, and treatments were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The most common predisposing factors were tonsillitis and upper respiratory tract infection. The most common symptoms were fever (93.3%) and painful swelling of the neck (70.0%). Both peritonsillar (24.3%) and parapharyngeal space infections (24.3%) were the most common, followed by submandibular space infections (18.9%). The most common pathogens isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (27.3%) and viridans streptococci (22.7%). The mean duration of hospitalization was 7.9 days, with a range from 2 to 18 days. Complications occurred in 2 patients, including recurrence and pulmonary edema. Conclusions: Deep neck infection should be suspected in a child who presents with fever and painful swelling of the neck. Staphylococcus aureus and viridans streptococci were the most common pathogens. Computed tomography scan should be performed in time and infections in peritonsillar and parapharyngeal spaces were the most common.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)265-268
Number of pages4
JournalZhonghua Minguo xiao er ke yi xue hui za zhi [Journal]. Zhonghua Minguo xiao er ke yi xue hui
Volume45
Issue number5
StatePublished - 09 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Abscess
  • Children
  • Deep neck infection

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