Deep neck infection in Northern Thailand

The aim of this retrospective study, conducted by the Department of Otolaryngology, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, is to understand the clinical characteristics of patients with deep neck infection (DNI), especially in immunocompromised hosts, as well as to analyze the factors that influence multiple spaces’ involvement and complications. The data collected (January 2004–July 2009) from 177 patients with DNI, excluding peritonsillar abscess, were reviewed, including demography, clinical presentation, etiology, involved fascial spaces, bacteriology, treatment, and complications. SPSS (15.0) was used to analyze the data. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among 177 DNI patients, there were 30 diabetic and 4 HIV infected patients, who were considered immunocompromised. Furthermore, two characteristics (complications and the Hb level) were statistically significant (p value <0.05) in the immunocompromised and immunocompetent groups. The 87 patients who presented with multiple space involvement were predicted by the level of white blood cell count (<5,000 or >12,000/μl) (OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.38–4.96) in univariate analysis. Complications were affected by both host immunity and abnormal Hb level (<10 or >15 g/dl), in univariate analysis, but Hb level was the only risk factor (OR 4.46; 95% CI 1.81–10.99) in multivariate analysis. Comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and HIV infection required certain clinical assessment because of potential complications. In addition, blood tests (WBC and Hb levels) are the most important investigations necessary in patients suspected of having multiple space involvement and complications.