Abstract
Introduction Neck space infection in the pediatric age group is common but can be life-threatening
if not diagnosed properly. Since it is a polymicrobial disease, antibiotic usage should
be guided by culture sensitivity pattern.
Objectives To assess the microbiology, antibiotic resistance pattern and the outcome of the
medical and surgical management of deep neck space infection in children.
Methods This was a prospective study of children admitted for management of neck space infection
from August 2017 to August 2018. The age, gender, organisms isolated, sensitivity
and resistance to antibiotics, length of hospital stay, complications, and recurrence
were noted. The descriptive data were analyzed.
Results Out of 108 cases, there were 51 males (47.2%) and 57 females (52.8%) ranging from
1 month to 15 years, with a mean age of 5.32 +/− 4.35 years. The mean period of hospitalization
was 6.98 days. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated with less coagulase-negative staphylococci
and streptococci. Clindamycin was the most sensitive drug (82.35%) followed by vancomycin
and cloxcillin, while amoxicillin/ampicillin, a commonly used drug, was the least
sensitive (20.58%). The abscess recurrence rate was 9.28%. The outcomes of either
medical treatment or a combined medical or surgical treatment in properly selected
cases were comparable.
Conclusion Clindamycin or cloxacillin can be used as a first-line option for neck infection
in children. Ampicillin/amoxicillin alone has a small role in neck abscess because
of high resistance to this type of antibiotic.
Keywords
abscess - antibacterial drug resistance - child - neck
