Çocukluk Yaş Grubunda Derin Boyun Enfeksiyonlarının Değerlendirilmesi

Introduction and Aim: Deep neck infections are characterized by the infections in the potential spaces of the fascial planes of the neck. Although the incidence of these infections decreased with the widespread use of antibiotics, they still lead to serious morbidity and mortality. In this study; we aimed to assess the diagnosis, management, and treatment of deep neck infections. Material and Methods: Eighty-six patients with deep neck infections admitted to the Pediatrics Clinics of Ankara Training and Research Hospital, between 2005 and 2008 were included in this study. All patients diagnosed as deep neck infections with complaints and physical examinations. Complete blood count, CReactive Protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, viral markers, Brucella and Salmonella agglutination tests, chest radiography, and cervical ultrasonography were performed for all patients. Results: All patients included in this study, 37(43%) were girls. The mean age was 3.1±2.5 years. The most common symptoms at presentation were neck swelling (100%) and fever (74.4%). The mean duration of hospital stay was 6.6±3.9 days.Cervical ultrasonography findings showed that the submandibular space was the most affected region. The most common etiology was tonsillopharangitis (45.3%). The other common etiological factors were odontogenic infections (5.8%), congenital disorders (2.3%), and varicella infection (1.2%). All patients were initially received parenteral empirical antibiotics. Sulbactam-ampicillin alone or in combination with metronidazole was the most common used antibiotics. Sixty-seven (77.9%) patients recovered with only medical treatment. Surgical drainage was performed in 19 (22.1%) cases. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 8 (9.3%) patients’ drainage samples. Bacteriemia was developed only in one patient (1.2%) as a complication. No mortality was observed in our study. Conclusion: Deep neck infections which have serious morbidity and mortality can be treated with early diagnosis and effective antibiotics. However; surgical drainage must be performed immediately if it is necessary.