Paediatric Deep Neck Space Abscesses: Experience of a Tertiary Care Hospital
Hong Kong Journal of Paediatrics, vol.28, no.3, pp.165-172, 2023 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 28 Issue: 3
- Publication Date: 2023
- Journal Name: Hong Kong Journal of Paediatrics
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE
- Page Numbers: pp.165-172
- Keywords: Children, Deep neck space abscess, Surgery
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
To evaluate children diagnosed with deep neck space abscesses (DNSAs) between January 2011 and January 2020, a retrospective chart review was performed. Demographics, clinical manifestations, laboratory and radiological investigations, antibiotic choice, need for surgery, operative reports, length of hospital stay and prognosis were recorded. Sixty-two patients were enrolled. The most common presentation was fever and the most common location was parapharyngeal abscess. Patients who were surgically treated had larger abscess diameters on contrast-enhanced computed tomography compared to those who received conservative treatment (p: 0.025) but we did not find any difference in laboratory data, antibiotic duration and length of hospital stay. Surgical treatment was more common in patients aged 0-5 years compared with those >5 years (p<0.001). Although there is still a lack of consensus on the optimal management or timing for surgery, conservative treatment with close follow-up can be successfully applied in selected cases.