| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2018 | Volume
: 2
| Issue : 2 | Page : 17-20 |
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Deep neck space infection: Are we overlooking the elderly?
Shankar P Shah, Shyam Thapa Chetri, Bajrang P Sah, Sudip Mishra, Amit K Singh, Swotantra Gautam
Department of ENT and HNS, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Shankar P Shah
Department of ENT and HNS, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan
Nepal
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/aiao.aiao_6_18
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Context: Deep neck space infections (DNSIs) are unique among infectious diseases for potential life-threatening complications. Its early recognition is therefore challenging and a high index of suspicion is necessary to avoid any delay in treatment. Aims: This study aims to analyze the age, sex, source, nature, associated systemic conditions, neck spaces involved, and the bacteria isolated in patients with DNSIs. Settings and Design: A prospective, descriptive study was conducted in the Department of ENT and HNS, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal for a period of 2 years from August 2014 to July 2016. Subjects and Methods: All patients with DNSI who required hospitalization were included, whereas those with superficial skin soft-tissue infections, infections due to traumatic or surgical wounds or tumors were excluded. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were recorded on a pro forma and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2007 (Microsoft, WA, USA). Results: Out of the 76 patients, 25 patients were >50 years of age (32.89%). Male: female ratio was 1:1.17. The most common source was dental infection occurring in 32 cases (42%). Diabetes mellitus was the most common associated systemic condition (4 cases). Submandibular and peritonsillar spaces were most commonly involved. A sterile culture was seen in the majority (18/32). Staphylococcus aureus and Escheria coli were the predominant bacteria isolated. Conclusions: DNSI is a common condition in the elderly populations. Odontogenic infection and diabetes mellitus are the predisposing factors. S. aureus and E. coli are the common causative agents.
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