CRP Is Prognostic Indicator in Managing Deep Neck Infections

Background: Deep neck infections (DNIs) can cause airway obstruction with the potential need for intubation and/or tracheostomy, prolonged hospitalization, and multiple surgical interventions. The severity of the infection may result in necrotizing fasciitis or mediastinitis. Objective: To assess parameters that will provide prognostic indicators regarding patient outcomes in DNIs. Design: Retrospective, single-center cohort study. Participants/Methods: The authors assessed 100 patients admitted to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow with DNIs requiring surgical intervention between February 2021 and January 2022. Results: Etiology of DNI was odontogenic in 87% of patients. Patients were 55% males with a median age of 39 years. On a 10-decile scale (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation [SIMD]) analyzing socioeconomic status, the average score was 3.6, with 38% of patients having a score of 1. The DNI involved multiple spaces in 34% of patients, with submandibular (46%) a more...