Deep Neck Infections: Demographic and Clinical Factors Associated with Poor Outcomes

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Deep neck infections (DNIs) are abscesses located in the profound spaces of the neck and constitute one of the most common otolaryngological life-threatening emergencies. The aim of this study is to review the clinical and demographic data of patients with DNI and identify factors associated with prolonged hospitalization, reoperation, and mortality. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Retrospective review and analysis of 75 patients with DNI admitted from January 2015 to December 2019 in a tertiary referral hospital. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 75 patients, 50 (66.6%) were males and 25 (33.3%) females. Age ranged from 18 to 91 years with a mean of 41.79 (±15.48). DNIs were odontogenic in 49 patients (65.3%). History of diabetes mellitus (DM) was positive in 26 patients (34.6%). The submandibular space was involved in 57 patients (76%). <i>Streptococcus</i> spp. were isolated in 35 patients (46%). Intubation for airway preservation was needed in 21 patients (28%) and tracheostomy in 6 (8%). Mediastinitis presented in 8 patients (10.67%), with a mortality rate of 62.5% (<i>n</i> = 5). Mean hospital stay was 9.13 days (±7.2). DM (<i>p</i> = 0.016), age (<i>p</i> = 0.001), BMI classification 3, 4, and 6 (<i>p</i> = 0.041), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (<i>p</i> = 0.009) were associated with a longer stay. Surgical drainage was performed after 1.71 days (±1.65). Surgical reintervention was needed in 6 cases (8%) and was associated with temporal (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and masticator (<i>p</i> = 0.002) space involvement and DM (<i>p</i> = 0.009). Overall mortality was 8% and decreased to 1.5% when mediastinitis was excluded. Mediastinitis (<i>p</i> = 0.001), ICU admission (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.0001), <i>Streptococcus</i> spp. (<i>p</i> = 0.019), and low hemoglobin levels (<i>p</i> = 0.004) were associated with mortality. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> DNIs are entities associated with high morbimortality. Mediastinitis and airway obstruction are life-threatening possible complications and should be promptly evaluated. Low HB could be used as a predicting factor for mortality.