Clinical Features and prognostic factors in pediatric deep neck infections: a retrospective study.

Background: Pediatric deep neck abscesses (PDNAs) are uncommon but can cause serious complications. Despite advances in diagnostics and antibiotic therapies, effective PDNA management remains challenging, necessitating prompt diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Objectives: This study evaluated the clinical characteristics, treatment approaches, and factors affecting hospital stay in pediatric patients with PDNAs. Associations between laboratory markers (hemoglobin, albumin, inflammatory indices) and abscess characteristics with clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Methods: A retrospective review of 72 PDNA cases at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital (2019-2024) was performed. Clinical presentation, laboratory findings (hemoglobin, albumin), abscess size, and inflammatory indices (SII, NLR, SIRI) were analyzed.

Results: The mean age was 6.69 years, with 51.38% under six. Peritonsillar abscesses were the most common (40.3%), followed by retropharyngeal abscesses. Antibiotic therapy alone was successful in 33.3% of cases, while 66.7% required surgical drainage. Prolonged hospitalization was associated with low hemoglobin (p = .003) and albumin (p = .034), larger abscess size (p = .047), and elevated inflammatory markers (SIRI: p = .007, SII: p = .015).

Conclusions and significance: Prognostic factors such as hemoglobin, albumin, and inflammatory indices is essential in PDNA management. Surgical intervention plays a key role in severe cases, emphasizing the need for standardized protocols.