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

Abstract

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 shows 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 semi structured proforma was entered into Microsoft excel worksheet and were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0.
Results: Men belonging to 5th and 6th decade were more affected.Submandibular space was the most commonly involved space, odontogenic infections being the most common etiology. Commonest organism was Streptococcus pyogenes. Incidence of complication was 46%, most common complication was airway narrowing (44.8%).
Conclusion: Deep neck space infection needs prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment for good patient outcome.