Deep neck infections in children – approach to diagnosis and treatment

Czech version

Authors: Klára Perce; Kateřina Sobotková; Milan Urík; Michal Jurajda; Anna Vravcová; Jana Šťastná; Denisa Pavlovská
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika dětské otorhinolaryngologie LF MU a FN Brno
Published in: Otorinolaryngol Foniatr, 73, 2024, No. 2, pp. 81-90.
Category: Original Article
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/ccorl202481

Overview

Introduction: In the treatment of deep throat infections, it is necessary to make a correct decision about surgical treatment. The aim was to observe trends and characteristics of patients requiring surgical treatment and to identify factors that predict the type of treatment. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study including pediatric patients hospitalized in the Children‘s Hospital of The University Hospital Brno with deep throat infections between 2010–2019. Studied parameters: age, sex, duration of problems before hospitalization, presence of dysphagia, odynophagia, impaired neck mobility, bulging of the pharyngeal wall, ankylostomia, respiratory problems, dysphonia, drooling, cervical lymphadenitis, sore throat, length of hospitalization, conservative or surgical approach, and well-being day. Laboratory investigations included CRP, neutrophil granulocyte count, and microbiological findings. Imaging examinations monitored the presence of phlegm or abscess, side, position relative to the great vessels and oppression of the great vessels, and size of abscess. Results: This study presents the clinical characteristics of 78 deep throat infections. Observed trends: patients with abscesses were younger, had higher CRP, and were hospitalized longer. Larger abscess statistically resulted in surgical treatment. Patients with phlegm had a shorter time to achieve comprehensive improvement. The incidence of an abscess is not related to gender. Boys had statistically significantly higher CRP and neutrophil granulocyte counts. The most common microbiological finding was Streptococcus pyogenes. Conclusion: Patients with abscesses were younger, had longer hospital stays, and had higher CRP.

Keywords:

abscess – deep neck infection – children

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ORCID autorů

K. Perce 0000-0002-3043-4112,

K. Sobotková 0000-0002-5285-3182,

M. Urík 0000-0002-2872-185X,

M. Jurajda 0000-0003-1017-4357,

J. Šťastná 0000-0002-6456-1806,

D. Pavlovská 0000-0001-7351-4932.

Přijato k recenzi: 13. 11. 2023
Přijato k tisku: 18. 1. 2024

MUDr. Klára Perce, Ph.D.
Klinika dětské otorhinolaryngologie
LF MU a FN Brno
Černopolní 212/9
613 00 Brno
perce.klara@fnbrno.cz