EPIDEMIOLOGIC REVIEW OF FACIAL INFECTIONS IN HOSPITALIZED PEDIATRIC-PATIENTS

Purpose: Pediatric facial infections are quite variable in clinical behavior, making early diagnosis and treatment challenging. To better understand and manage these infections, we conducted a retrospective study. Patients and Methods: The cohort consisted of 143 pediatric patients (age < 15 years) admitted to Grady Memorial Hospital (Atlanta, GA) with facial infections. Data concerning patient demographics, source and location of infection, culture results, and treatment modalities were evaluated. Results: Eighty-one percent (n = 116) of the patients had upper face infections (UFI), while the remaining 19% (n = 27) had lower face infections (LFI). Children with UFI were younger, had more acute symptoms, and an elevated white blood cell count. The source of infection was commonly unknown and there was a wide variability of cultured organisms. Children with LFI were generally older, with symptoms of a more chronic nature. The source of infection could frequently be identified and the types of organisms cultured were less variable. Children with UFI were usually treated with antibiotics alone while children with LFI were more likely to require an operation to resolve the infection. Conclusion: Study results lend support to our clinical hypothesis developed in earlier studies that location of infection may be a useful variable that aids in the early diagnosis and management of pediatric facial infections.