When is surgical intervention needed in oral and maxillofacial space infection patients? A retrospective case control study in 46 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with mild oral and maxillofacial space infection (OMSI) usually need only antimicrobial therapy. However, surgical intervention is eventually needed after using antibiotics for a period. The objective of this study was to explore the risk factors for drug therapy failure in OMSI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective case‒control study was designed. From August 2020 to September 2022, patients at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital who were diagnosed with OMSI were retrospectively reviewed. The outcome variable was surgical intervention after the use of antibiotics. We collected common biological factors, including demographic characteristics, routine blood test results, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and composite indicators, such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR). The χ2 test and binary logistic regression were used to examine the association between biological factors and the outcome variable. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were included in this study. Further surgical intervention was needed in 20 patients (43.5%). The NLR showed a significant association with further surgical drainage (p = 0.01). A binary logistic regression equation was found by using stepwise regression based on the Akaike information criterion (R2 = 0.443), which was associated with sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.216; p = 0.092), NLR (OR, 1.258; p = 0.045), red blood cell (RBC) count (OR, 4.372; p = 0.103) and monocyte (MONO) count (OR, 9.528, p = 0.023). Receiver operating characteristic analysis produced an area under the curve for NLR of 0.725 (p = 0.01) and for the binary logistic regression model of 0.8365 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Surgical interventions are needed in some mild OMSI patients when antimicrobial therapy fails to stop the formation of abscesses. The binary logistic regression model shows that NLR can be used as an ideal prognostic factor to predict the outcome of antimicrobial therapy and the possibility of requiring surgical intervention. STATEMENT OF CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Using simple, inexpensive, and easily achieved biological parameters (such as routine blood test results) and composite indicators calculated by them (such as NLR) to predict whether surgical intervention is needed in the future provides a reference for clinical doctors and enables more cost-effective and efficient diagnosis and treatment.

Mediastinitis necrotizante descendente de origen odontogénico / Descending necrotizing mediastinitis of odontogenic origin

Resumen Introducción: El tratamiento inoportuno e ineficaz de las infecciones odontogénicas puede causar complicaciones potencialmente mortales como la mediastinitis necrotizante descendente (MND). La MDN es una infección grave que afecta al cuello-tórax, con una alta tasa de mortalidad por sepsis e insuficiencia orgánica si no se trata de manera rápida y efectiva. Objetivo: Describir un caso de MND de origen odontogénico y su manejo médico-quirúrgico. Caso clínico: Presentamos un paciente de sexo masculino de 34 años que ingresa con un cuadro infeccioso agudo de origen odontogénico, que compromete espacios de la cabeza, cuello y tórax (mediastino superior), el cual se trata exitosamente. Discusión: Las infecciones odontogénicas son generalmente localizadas y que se pueden tratar mediante terapias convencionales. A pesar de esto, si estas infecciones no pueden controlarse, ya sea por no realización de tratamientos oportunos o por estados inmunosuprimidos del paciente, se pueden desarrollar diferentes complicaciones como la MND. Conclusión: Un diagnóstico rápido, el tratamiento quirúrgico agresivo, la terapia antibiótica adecuada y la atención de apoyo son los pilares fundamentales para el manejo de la MND.

Introduction: Inappropriate and ineffective treatment of odontogenic infections can cause life-threatening complications such as Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis (MND). MDN is a serious infection that affects the neck-thorax, with a high mortality rate from sepsis and organ failure if it is not treated quickly and effectively. Aim: To describe a case of MND of odontogenic origin and its medical-surgical management. Case report: We present a 34-year-old male patient who is admitted with an acute infectious condition of odontogenic origin, which compromises spaces of the head, neck and thorax (upper mediastinum), which is treated successfully. Discussion: Odontogenic infections are generally localized and can be treated by conventional therapies. In spite of this, if these infections cannot be controlled, either by not carrying out appropriate treatments or by immunosuppressed states of the patient, different complications such as MND can develop. Conclusion: A rapid diagnosis, aggressive surgical treatment, adequate antibiotic therapy and supportive care are the fundamental pillars for the management of MND.

The surgical management of severe dentofacial infections (DFI)-a prospective study.

Dentofacial infections (DFI) lead to morbidity and rarely, mortality. We hypothesised that certain clinical and laboratory parameter factors may be associated with a more severe course and an increased length of stay. We designed a prospective study that included all patients admitted with a DFI to the Oral and Maxillofacial Department between July 2014 and July 2015. A total of 125 were enrolled. We found that serum concentration of CRP on admission and increasing number of fascial spaces involved by the infection were significant predictors of hospital stay (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). The average length of stay for a dentofacial infection requiring admission was 4.5 days. Most patients require surgical intervention in combination with intravenous antibiotics for successful resolution. Improved and timely access to primary dental care is likely to reduce the burden for patients their families and the acute hospital service as a consequence of advanced DFI.

Increasing Use of Intensive Care Unit for Odontogenic Infection Over One Decade: Incidence and Predictors.

PURPOSE: To determine whether intensive care unit (ICU) admissions for odontogenic infections have increased during the past decade and whether certain clinical features are associated with a greater rate of ICU admission. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data from patients undergoing surgery for odontogenic infections at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in the 24 month from January 2003 to December 2004 were compared with those from patients treated from January 2013 to December 2014. A χ2 analysis was used to compare the demographic, admission, and clinical patient data in each cohort. A multiple logistic regression model was used to determine which clinical features were associated with greater rates of ICU admission. RESULTS: The rate of ICU admission increased significantly from 7 to 24% during the decade (χ2 = 12.74; P = .000), although the clinical presentation of patients admitted to the ICU was similar in both cohorts. The mean number of days spent in the ICU increased significantly from 1.7 ± 0.5 to 3.24 ± 2.5 days (t = -3.63; P = .001), and the overall length of stay increased from 1.7 ± 0.5 to 3.5 ± 4.1 days (t = 2.99; P = .004). The use of preoperative computed tomography (CT) increased significantly from 42.9 to 93.3% (χ2 = 13.25; P = .000). The most significant predictors of ICU admission were lower third molar involvement (P = .026), dysphagia (P = .020), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels exceeding 150 mg/L (P = .039). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the ICU in the management of odontogenic infection has increased significantly at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital over 1 decade. The demographic data and clinical presentation of the patients admitted to the ICU did not change significantly. However, the length of ICU stay and the total length of stay have both increased. A significant increase in CT usage for odontogenic infections also occurred. Third molar infections, dysphagia, and elevated CRP might be relevant clinical predictors of a more complicated course of care requiring ICU admission. More judicious use of CT scanning, combined with prompt surgical consultation and intervention, might reduce the rate of ICU admissions for odontogenic infections.

Management of a Severe Cervicofacial Odontogenic Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Odontogenic infections originate from a tooth or from its supporting structures, generally secondary to a pulp necrosis, periodontal disease, pericoronitis, apical lesions, or complications of dental procedures, which can be restricted to the alveolus or can reach the jaws and face through maxillofacial spaces. These are the most common conditions which affect the head and neck regions. AIM: The aim of this study is to report a severe case of a cervicofacial odontogenic infection while discussing the most relevant aspects. CASE REPORT: A 47-year-old female patient with a background of diabetes mellitus (DM) had a cervicofacial infection presenting edema and erythema in the left hemiface extending from the frontoparietal to cervical region and was submitted to extensive surgical treatment combined with antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence and complication rates of odontogenic infections had decreased with the advancement of diagnostic techniques, availability of effective antibiotics, and improvement in oral hygiene, still there are conditions that require attention and accurate treatment to prevent the progression of the pathology to deeper fascial spaces. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Odontogenic infections can be treated with fewer complications if approached earlier when diagnosed while their premature clinical manifestations. However, if the treatment is postponed and the infection spreads into deeper fascial spaces, it can damage vital structures, and, consequently, threaten the patient's life. In these cases, extensive and aggressive therapy should be performed.

Difficult Cases of Odontogenic Deep Neck Infections: A Report of Three Patients.

BACKGROUND: Deep neck infections are important otolaryngologic emergencies due to serious complications and the risk of airway compromise, which can lead to mortality. Although the most common causes among pediatric patients are tonsillitis and pharyngeal infections, odontogenic infections are an important cause in adults. CASE REPORT: We present three patients with multiple deep neck space abscess formation due to odontogenic infection. Two of them required tracheotomy due to airway compromise, and one had mediastinitis. CONCLUSION: An underestimated tooth infection can cause hazardous complications such as mediastinitis and respiratory distress requiring tracheotomy.

[Cutaneous sinus tract due to an asymptomatic dental infection]. / Fisteldannelse i huden som følge af enubehandlet asymptomatisk tandinfektion.

Pyogenic cutaneous lesions of the cervicofacial region may have a variety of causes but one possibility that should be considered is a cutaneous sinus tract (CST) of dental origin. Correct diagnosis is based on a high index of suspicion and radiologic evidence of a dental pathology. Patients with odontogenic CST should be referred to a dentist and the treatment consists of either endodontic therapy or extraction of the involved tooth. We present a case report with misdiagnosis of CST of dental origin.

An unusual infection of cervicofacial area caused by dental pathology: flesh-eating syndrome.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the cervicofacial area is highly rare, but physicians should be familiar with the presentation of this situation owing to the suddenness of its beginning, the rapidness of its spread, and ending with high mortality and morbidity. In this article, 5 patients with NF admitted to emergency department with dental pathology history were discussed with a review of the literature. The purpose of this case series is to raise awareness about NF of the cervicofacial area caused by dental pathologies. Five patients admitted to our emergency department between January 2012 and March 2015 and diagnosed as having cervicofacial NF were identified. All patients had dental pathologies. The parameters of the study were patients' age, sex, complaints, self- and family histories, physical examinations' findings, routine laboratory-computed tomographic findings, treatment, and complications. Two of the patients were older than 70 years. One of the patients was healthy but he lost time because of an inappropriate treatment. These 3 patients died. The remaining patients were discharged at the end of the prolonged and intensive treatment. Necrotizing fasciitis should always be remembered in the diagnosis of the infection of the cervicofacial area. Because of difficulty in its diagnosis, a delay in the treatment may result in a horrific outcome.

Incidence and management of severe odontogenic infections-a retrospective analysis from 2004 to 2011.

The management of odontogenic infections is a typical part of the spectrum of maxillofacial surgery. Normally these infections can be managed in a straight forward way however under certain conditions severe and complicated courses can arise which require interdisciplinary treatment including intensive care. A retrospective analysis of all patients affected by an odontogenic infection that received surgical therapy from 2004 to 2011 under stationary conditions was performed. Surgical treatment consisted in incision and drainage of the abscess supported by additional i.v. antibiotic medication in all patients. Detailed analysis of all patients that required postoperative intensive medical care was additionally performed with respect to special risk factors. During 8 years 814 patients affected by odontogenic infections received surgical treatment under stationary conditions representing 4% of all patients that have been treated during that period (n = 18981). In 14 patients (1.7%) intensive medical therapy after surgery was required, one lethal outcome was documented (0.12%). In all of these 14 patients a history of typical risk factors was present. According to these results two patients per week affected by an odontogenic infection required stationary surgical treatment, about two patients per year were likely to require additional intensive medical care. If well-known risk factors are present in patients affected by odontogenic infection appropriate interdisciplinary management should be considered as early as possible.

Aperture width of the osteomeatal complex as a predictor of successful treatment of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis.

Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS) is an inflammatory disease caused by the spread of dental inflammation into the sinus. The long-term administration of antibiotic medicine and/or treatment of the causative tooth are the usual initial treatments. These initial treatments are not always effective, and the reason is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to identify factors of significance that may contribute to the results of the initial treatment of OMS. Thirty-nine patients were studied, divided into two groups according to the results of initial treatment: effective or non-effective. The effective group comprised 20 patients who were cured by initial treatment. The non-effective group comprised 19 patients who required an additional operation. The duration of symptoms, spread into the other sinuses, aperture width of the osteomeatal complex (OMC) on the side of the maxillary sinus, and anatomical variations in the sinuses were compared between the groups. The only significant difference found was in the aperture width of the OMC, which was significantly narrower in the non-effective group than in the effective group. The aperture width of the OMC may be a significant predictor of the effectiveness of initial treatment of OMS.

Closed suction drainage for deep neck infections.

PURPOSE: There have been various incision and drainage methods for deep neck infection (DNI). Closed-suction drainage (CSD) has been used to decrease hematoma or to drain pus in other forms of medical surgery. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the usefulness of CSD for DNI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study consisted of 30 patients who underwent CSD after incision and drainage for DNI between January 2006 and December 2011. The patients' demographics, systemic diseases, methods of airway control, involved spaces, incision, CSD results, duration of hospitalization, and complications were investigated. RESULTS: CSD was used to treat 30 DNI patients. Eleven patients (37%) had underlying systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hepatitis, asthma, etc. Twenty four patients (80%) had odontogenic infections in the mandibular molar region. Tracheostomy was performed in 5 patients (17%). The involved spaces were various from parapharyngeal space to mediastinum (mean: 4.8 spaces), and CSD was applied with drainage lines (mean: 3; 2-7 drains) over the course of 4-37 days (mean 14.6 days). The total amount of drained pus was 8-1344 cc (mean: 406 cc) and the daily amount was 1-61 cc (mean: 28 cc) from each patient. The mean length of hospital stay was 26 days, with a range of 9-83 days. Wound rupture happened in 7% of 56 total incision sites and spontaneous removal of the drain tube occurred in 3% of 91 total tubes. Four patients died because of cardiac arrest, pulmonary edema, and hypoxia. A statistical significance was accepted about total and daily amount of drainage at Pearson's correlation test (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Accurate diagnosis, safe airway management, and early surgical drainage were important in DNI treatment. Compared to other drainage systems, CSD is clinically useful for treating DNI due to minimal incision, convenience of post-operative management, and less postoperative complications.

[Deep neck abscess. Factors related to reoperation and mortality]. / Absceso profundo de cuello. Factores asociados con la reoperación y mortalidad.

BACKGROUND: Deep neck abscesses are major complications that arise of odontogenic, pharyngeal, or cervicofacial foci, mainly in patients with morbidities that facilitate the spread to other spaces. Many of them require surgical treatment, and an appropriate evaluation and surgical drainage is required to obtain the best results. AIM: To identify factors which relate to reoperation and mortality in patient submitted to surgical treatment due to deep neck abscess. METHODS: Review of all patients with deep neck abscess who underwent surgical treatment in a Head and Neck Surgery Department in a third-level hospital during a two year period. RESULTS: There were 87 patients, 44 of which were female. The median age was 49 years old. Thirty-five patients (40%) had comorbidities, diabetes mellitus being the most common, found in 30 (34%) patients. Twenty-one patients (24%) required reoperation (primarily due to inadequate surgical drainage). The risk factors identified with it were presence of comorbidities (mainly diabetes mellitus) (p< 0.05), multiple deep neck spaces involvement (p< 0.001) and an ASA score of three or above (p< 0.01). Eight patients died, for a mortality of 9%. The factors related to mortality were multiple deep neck spaces involvement (p< 0.01), bilateral involvement (p< 0.05) and reoperation (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Deep neck abscesses appropriate evaluation and a complete surgical drainage of all deep space neck abscesses are primordial to avoid reoperation and improve survival.

Antecedentes: los abscesos profundos de cuello son complicaciones de infecciones, principalmente de origen odontogénico y de vías aéreas superiores, que afectan con mayor frecuencia a pacientes con morbilidades que favorecen la diseminación de la infección. Muchos requieren tratamiento quirúrgico, evaluación y drenaje apropiado para obtener los mejores resultados. Objetivo: identificar los factores relacionados con la reoperación y la mortalidad en pacientes con drenaje quirúrgico por absceso profundo de cuello. Material y métodos: estudio longitudinal, retrospectivo, observacional y comparativo efectuado con base en la revisión de todos los pacientes con absceso profundo de cuello que se operaron en un servicio de cabeza y cuello de un hospital de tercer nivel. Resultados: se estudiaron 87 pacientes, 44 de ellos eran mujeres. La mediana de edad fue de 49 años. El 40% tenían comorbilidades (35 pacientes) y la diabetes melltitus fue la más frecuente en 30 pacientes (34%). Se reoperaron 21 pacientes (24%), la mayoría por drenaje incompleto. Los factores de riesgo identificados fueron: comorbilidades (principalmente diabetes mellitus) (p< 0.05), mayor número de espacios afectados (p< 0.001) y una escala de ASA III o mayor (p< 0.01). La mortalidad fue de 9% (ocho pacientes). Los factores relacionados con mortalidad fueron: mayor número de espacios afectados (p< 0.01), afectación bilateral (p< 0.05) y reoperación (p< 0.001). Conclusión: en abscesos profundos de cuello la evaluación preoperatoria y el drenaje quirúrgico completo de todos los espacios afectados son primordiales para evitar la reoperación y mejorar la supervivencia.

Brain abscess secondary to a dental infection in an 11-year-old child: case report.

A primary molar dental abscess was implicated as the cause of a brain abscess in an 11-year-old boy. This case report describes the neurological signs and symptoms, and acute management of a brain abscess in a child. A brain abscess is provisionally diagnosed from the patient's medical history, as well as the presence of signs and symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, focal neurological deficit, altered mentation, speech alterations, papillary edema, and neck stiffness or seizures. A definitive diagnosis of brain abscess is confirmed through imaging. The dental source of infection is identified by the exclusion of more probable foci such as the ears, heart, lungs, eyes or sinuses.

Ultrasound-guided simultaneous irrigation and drainage of facial abscess.

The establishment of drainage and the elimination of the origin of infection are essential procedures for successful management of odontogenic infections. Irrigation and aspiration are considered as the 2 main procedures for the treatment of facial space infections; we invented a new method named simultaneous irrigation and aspiration. The simultaneous irrigation and aspiration method is significantly less painful and less invasive compared with the standard surgical incision and drainage. This method was thought to be useful for managing facial infections if proper patient selection is performed.

Severe dental infections in the emergency department.

A dental source of infection should be suspected in patients presenting with an acute cervicofacial swelling or trismus. Dental infection originates in the tooth or in the tissues that closely surround it. These infections are common and generally resolve by spontaneous drainage through the gingival tissues of the tooth. Severe dental infections extend beyond the jawbone into potential spaces around the jaw and into the neck. The spread of infection can lead to life-threatening complications, such as airway compromise, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and mediastinitis. Mortality from severe dental infections, although uncommon, is increasing. The aim of this review was to describe the clinical presentation, evaluation, and management of patients presenting with severe or potentially severe dental infection.

What are the antibiotics of choice for odontogenic infections, and how long should the treatment course last?

In the everyday practice of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, empiric antibiotics are prescribed in the face of uncertainty. Is there a highly resistant organism present? Are the old-line antibiotics no longer effective? Should a broad-spectrum antibiotic be used just to cover all the bases in this case? The surprising result of this systematic review is that when combined with appropriate surgery, the usual antibiotics are all effective. Safety and cost become the differentiating factors in this clinical decision.

Pregnancy complicated by recurrent brain abscess after extraction of an infected tooth.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic infections are quite common and, in unusual cases, can extend beyond the oral cavity with potentially life-threatening complications. CASE: A 35-year-old woman, G3P0020, underwent extraction of an infected left maxillary third molar tooth at 19 3/7 weeks of gestation and later presented with mental status changes. Computed tomography revealed left pterygoid muscle abscess, which progressed to brain abscess. She underwent multiple partial lobectomies to drain her recurrent brain abscess. The pregnancy continued until term, and she underwent a cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: Brain abscess is a rare but life-threatening complication of pregnancy. This case illustrates the potential complications after extraction of an infected tooth in pregnancy.

Changes in admission rates for spreading odontogenic infection resulting from changes in government policy about the dental schedule and remunerations.

The government changed the system of payment to general dental practitioners on 1 April 2005 from a fee/item to a banding system. The figures collected have shown that there has been a 62% increase in the number of patients who require admission for surgical treatment of spreading odontogenic infections compared with the 3-year period before this date.