Management of facial cellulitis of odontogenic origin in a paediatric hospital

摘要

Abstract Background Facial cellulitis of odontogenic origin (FCOO) can lead to systemic complications in children. Research on factors leading to improvement of outcomes is limited. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate patient characteristics, treatment modalities (antibiotics and route of administration), length of stay in the hospital, time till definitive treatment, and factors related to early treatment of FCOO. Design A retrospective review was performed to identify children presenting to the emergency department of a paediatric hospital with FCOO over a 5‐year period. Data were extracted from records of included patients. Results Sixty‐four records were included for analysis with mean age of 8.19?±?4.5?years. Significantly more patients received clindamycin (79.7%) than penicillin‐based antibiotic (18.8%) with P ??.0001. Forty‐four (68.8%) children were admitted to the hospital and received parenteral clindamycin. The average hospital stay was 2.5?±?1.2?days, and average days till dental treatment was 5.2?±?8.9?days. Children who received intravenous antibiotic or had a primary tooth involved received dental treatment sooner, with P ?=?.0036 and P ?=?.03, respectively. Conclusions Oral antibiotics were prescribed for children who were discharged from the emergency department. Children who received intravenous antibiotics or had an infected primary tooth received early definitive treatment.