CRP Better Than TLC When Managing Orofacial Space Infections

Background: There are various inflammatory markers that are used to assess the level of severity of facial infections. C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration is significantly increased within a few hours of severe infections, and its short half-life makes it a sensitive indicator of infection. Objective: To determine whether CRP is a better indicator than total leucocyte count (TLC) when monitoring patients with severe orofacial infection. Design: Prospective study. Participants: 50 patients reporting with odontogenic space infection from 2017 to 2019 at the outpatient department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Mumbai, India. Methods: Incision and drainage was completed, and level of severity was determined using a Clinical Severity Scale (CSS). Patients were clinically evaluated for swelling, pain, pus, maximal interincisal opening, temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate. These parameters were recorded preoperatively as well as on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, and 7. Each more...