A six-year retrospective evaluation of odontogenic infections in pediatric patients requiring hospitalization

Abstract

Aims: Odontogenic infections in pediatric patients are common conditions which need to rapid treatment because of the progression of the infection into deep facial spaces. This study aimed to investigate the treatment modalities and clinical findings of hospitalized patients because of odontogenic infections. Methods: The study sample was collected from patient’s medical records. Demographic data, clinical findings, hospital length, source of the infection and laboratory findings were compared. Results: 330 patients were included and the study competed with 111 girls (34%) and 219 boys (66%) with a mean age of 6.81±3.25 years (min:1-max:17). 173 (%52) patients were treated for buccal space infection. The average duration of hospital stay was 2.69±0.78 days (min: 1, max: 6) in all cases and hospital stay was statistically higher in boys than girls (p=0.019). The duration of hospitalization was statistically higher in patients with fossa canina infection (p<0.001). 267 patients (%81) received ampicillin/sulbactam combined with metronidazole. The average day of the extraction of the causative tooth was the second day of the hospital stay. There was a positive correlation between length of hospital duration and CRP levels (p<0.001). Conclusion: Odontogenic infections with facial cellulitis are generally seen in boys under six years old. The upper face is the most affected side with a rate of 72%. Intravenous penicillin and metronidazole treatment and early dental extraction with surgical drainage are necessary for rapid resolution of the infection.

Keywords

• Odontogenic infections
• pediatric
• hospitalization
• hospital stay
• abscess

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