A Prospective Study on the Clinical and Bacteriological Profile of Deep Neck Space Infection

Abstract

Background: Deep neck space infections (DNSI) are bacterial illnesses that involve several spaces in the neck. Though the occurrence of deep neck infections has been declining since the advent of antibiotic therapy, they still occur and their diagnosis as well as treatment poses a challenge. Treatment of DNSI includes antibiotic therapy, airway management and surgical intervention. Results of various similar studies conducted in different parts of India including southern Kerala show large variations in epidemiological pattern; hence this study was conducted to know the prevalence, pattern, source of infection, bacteriological profile and sensitivity to antibiotics of DNSI.

Objectives: The primary objective was to study the clinical and bacteriological profile of deep neck space infections and the secondary objective was to study the predisposing factors, treatment outcome and complications of deep neck space infections.

Methodology: The prospective observational study was conducted among 63 patients who were admitted with DNSI for a period of 18 months from December 2019 to June 2021 in the Department of ENT, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Data collected using a semi-structured proforma were entered into Microsoft Excel worksheet and analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0.

Results: Men belonging to the fifth and sixth decades were more affected. Submandibular space was the most commonly involved space, with odontogenic infections being the most common etiology. The commonest organism isolated was Streptococcus pyogenes. The incidence of complications was 46%, with airway narrowing (44.8%) being the most common complication.

Conclusion: Deep neck space infection needs prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment for good patient outcome.