Factors associated with prolonged hospitalizations from odontogenic infections in children.

OBJECTIVE: Oro-facial infections are common pathologies comprising a substantial health concern in the pediatric population. Incorrect or late treatment may lead to serious and possibly life-threatening complications. The aim of this study is to analyze variables associated with prolonged length of hospital stays (LOS) due to odontogenic infections in children. STUDY DESIGN: Data was collected from the records of patients (age <15 years) hospitalized due to odontogenic infections at Poriya Medical Center during the period of 1/2010-12/2015. Patients with oro-facial infections originating from other organs were excluded from the study as well as children with underlying systemic medical conditions that may affect recovery. RESULTS: A total of 411 patients (mean age 6.5 ± 2 years) were included in this study, with 58.4% being male. There were significantly higher (p < 0.05) values of white blood cell (WBC) counts in patients with >3 days LOS. Patients with >3 days LOS were also significantly older (8.4 vs. 6.3 years). There were no significant differences in sex distribution or other clinical or laboratory parameters between the groups. CONCLUSION: Older child age and higher WBC counts on admission are indicators for prolonged LOS.

[CONGENITAL ILEAL STENOSIS: LATE CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF EARLY PRENATAL SUSPICION].

INTRODUCTION: Congenital stenosis (partial obstruction) of the small intestine is uncommon in comparison to atresia (complete obstruction). The clinical manifestations of stenosis could be delayed up to several weeks post-delivery. We present a case wherein a baby with a prenatal ultrasound examination showed a suspicious picture of small bowel obstruction. However, the clinical manifestations after delivery and imaging studies were misleading and non-classic; therefore, the resection of the stenotic portion of the ileum was delayed until the baby was one month of age. After the operation the baby stopped vomiting but diarrhea continued. The infant's formula was changed to formula containing medium chain triglyceride (MCT) instead of long chain triglyceride which proved effective in stopping the diarrhea. We emphasis the importance of including the differential diagnosis of congenital obstruction in any baby with vomiting (especially bile stain vomiting) despite the fact that the baby had diarrhea and not constipation and the imaging studies were not obvious.