Complications of acute mastoiditis in a paediatric population at a UK Tertiary Centre: A retrospective review

OBJECTIVES

Acute mastoiditis (AM) and its associated intra and extracranial complications are rare complications of acute otitis media. However, they are associated with a high morbidity. The management of AM with complications carries significant variations in approach. We aimed to evaluate the presentation of children with AM with complications to a tertiary referral centre in the United Kingdom and describe evolution of the treatment approaches.

METHODS

We undertook a retrospective chart review of all children admitted with AM to the University Hospitals of Leicester between 2013 and 2022.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven children were included in this study: 7 patients had sigmoid sinus thrombosis (SST), 4 had an intracranial collection, 3 had cranial nerve palsy and 16 had a subperiosteal abscess (SPA); some patients had more than 1 complication. In this study, treatment of SPA with incision and drainage (I&D) and grommet insertion was effective, as all patients treated with grommet insertion and I&D recovered well and did not require a subsequent cortical mastoidectomy. All patients with SST received anticoagulation and intravenous (IV) antibiotics; surgical input consisted of grommet insertion alone and cortical mastoidectomy was not routinely performed in these patients.

CONCLUSION

In our series, management of SPA with grommet insertion and drainage had good outcomes. SST management mainly consisted of IV antibiotics, anticoagulation and grommet insertion with good recovery. The evidence to guide the management of complications of mastoiditis is of poor quality and further research is needed to clarify the optimal management of these complications.

Pediatric orbital subperiosteal abscess outbreak in Iran: characteristics and causes

PURPOSE

To evaluate demographics, characteristics, and management of pediatric patients with subperiosteal abscesses (SPA) secondary to orbital cellulitis and discuss the etiology of a dramatic rise in SPA.

METHODS

Data were gathered by retrospective chart review of patients admitted to a tertiary referral eye hospital (Farabi Eye Hospital) diagnosed with orbital cellulitis with subperiosteal abscess from October 2022 to March 2023 (six months). Data on demographic information, clinical examination, radiographic evidence of sinusitis, orbital cellulitis, SPA, surgical and non-surgical management taken, isolated bacteria, and duration of hospital stay were gathered.

RESULTS

24 patients were admitted during these six months, with a diagnosis of orbital SPA secondary to paranasal sinusitis, confirmed by an orbital Computed Tomography (CT) scan. The age range was 11 months to 16 years. 75% of patients were male. All patients had a history of flu-like illness before developing orbital cellulitis. All patients had concurrent sinusitis, and 18 underwent initial surgical abscess drainage. The ethmoid sinus was the most involved, and most patients had a medially located SPA. Abscess volume ranged from 0.78 to 7.81 cm3 (mean: 3.52 cm3). One patient had concurrent central retinal artery occlusion due to orbital cellulitis.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we report a dramatic increase in the incidence of SPA referred to our hospital. Larger abscess volumes and an increased number of cases that needed initial surgical drainage are also of note. An influenza outbreak in the autumn and winter, undiagnosed Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, increased antimicrobial resistance due to excessive off-label use of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more virulent bacterial infections are the most probable hypotheses to justify this observation.

Breast infections: A review of current literature

Breast infections are common, affect women of all ages, and are associated with significant morbidity. Despite overall prevalence, treatment varies significantly based on provider or institution and no central treatment guidelines exist to direct the management of breast infections. This article provides a summary of the current trends in management of breast infections. The etiology, epidemiology, risk factors, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of mastitis and breast abscesses (and their relative subdivisions) are explored based on the current literature. Trends in microbiology are reviewed and an approach to antibiotic coverage is proposed. Overall, there is a lack of randomized-controlled trials focused on the treatment of breast infections. This has resulted in an absence of clinical practice guidelines for the management of breast abscesses and variable practice patterns. The development of best-care protocols or pathways could provide more uniformity in care of breast infections.

A prospective study on skin and soft tissue infections: a fact-finding mission from a tertiary centre in north India

OBJECTIVE

Despite the high prevalence and poor outcome of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), very few studies from India have dealt with the subject. We planned a prospective study of inpatients with SSTIs to study the aetiology, clinical presentation (severity) and outcome of patients with SSTIs in our facility.

METHOD

Patients with SSTIs involving >5% body surface area (BSA) and/or systemic signs were admitted to the surgery department of a teaching tertiary level hospital in Delhi, India, and were clinically classified into cellulitis, necrotising soft tissue infections (NSTIs), pyomyositis, and abscess. Demographic and clinical variables such as: age; sex; occupation; history of trauma/insect or animal bites; duration of illness; presenting symptoms and signs; comorbid conditions; predisposing factors such as lymphoedema or venous disease; hospital course; treatment instituted; complications; hospital outcome; presence of crepitus, bullae, gangrene, muscle necrosis and compartment syndrome were recorded. The chief outcome parameters were death and length of hospital stay; others, such as abscess drainage, the need for plastic surgical procedures and amputations were also noted.

RESULTS

Out of 250 patients enrolled in the study, 145 (58%) had NSTIs, 64 (26%) had abscesses, 15 (6%) had cellulitis and 26 (10%) had pyomyositis. Mortality was observed with NSTIs (27/145, 19%) and with pyomyositis (3/26, 11.5%). Factors affecting mortality by univariate analysis in the NSTI group were: abnormal pulse; hypotension; tachypnea; bullae; increased blood urea and serum creatinine; inotrope or ventilator support (all with p<0.001); local tenderness, gangrene, dialysis support and BSA (9.33±6.44 versus 5.12±3.62; p<0.05 for the last four). No factor was found to be significant on multivariate analysis. Variables associated with hospital stay >12 days were immunocompromise, pus discharge, ulceration or gangrene, and after interventions such as blood transfusion, drainage or skin grafting.

CONCLUSION

High prevalence of NSTI and pyomyositis with high mortality was observed in our SSTI patients, often in immunocompetent young individuals. Epidemiological studies focused on virulent strains of Staphylococcus aureus may be required to identify the cause, since Staphylococcal toxins have been implicated in other infections.

Clinical characterization of patients with anal fistula during follow-up of anorectal abscess: a large population-based study

PURPOSE

Approximately 15-50% of patients with an anorectal abscess will develop an anal fistula, but the true incidence of this entity is currently unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of anorectal abscess and development of a fistula in a specific population area and to identify potential risk factors associated with demographic, socioeconomic and pre-existing disease (e.g. diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease).

METHODS

A longitudinal observational study was designed including a large cohort study in an area with 7,553,650 inhabitants in Spain 1st january 2014 to 31st december 2019. Adults who attended for the first time with an anorectal abscess and had a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. The diagnosis was made using ICD-10 codes for anorectal abscess and anal fistula.

RESULTS

During the study period, we included 27,821 patients with anorectal abscess. There was a predominance of men (70%) and an overall incidence of 596 per million population. The overall incidence of anal fistula developing from abscesses was 20%, with predominance in men, and a lower incidence in the lowest income level. The cumulative incidence of fistula was higher in men and in younger patients (p < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, patients aged 60-69 years (hazard ratio 2.0) and those with inflammatory bowel disease (hazard ratio 1.8-2.0) had a strong association with fistula development (hazard ratio 2.0).

CONCLUSIONS

One in five patients with an anorectal abscess will develop a fistula, with a higher likelihood in men. Fistula formation was strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Deep odontogenic infections - Computed tomography imaging-based spreading routes and risk for airway obstruction

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate deep odontogenic infection (DOI) spread and features utilizing head and neck computed tomography (CT) imaging.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with acute DOI and preoperative contrast-enhanced CT-imaging were included in the study. Infection spaces, radiological features of these infections, CT imaging-based compromised airway and patients' background factors were evaluated and associations between these and need for postoperative mechanical ventilation (MV) were reported.

RESULTS

Altogether 262 hospitalized patients were included in the final analysis. Typically affected spaces were submandibular (74%), mandibular buccal/vestibular (37%), and sublingual (26%). Retropharyngeal (1%), mediastinal (1%) and danger space (1%) involvements were unusual. The infections were quite evenly distributed between multispace abscesses (53%) and other infections (47%). In multivariate analysis, CT-based compromised airway (OR 5.6, CI 95%, 2.9-10.9, P <0.001), midline crossing (OR 3.3, CI 95%, 1.2-8.8, P = 0.018) and extension at the level or below hyoid body (OR 2.4, CI 95% 1.2-5.1, P = 0.016) predicted the need for MV. Other radiological findings and patients' background variables remained statistically non-significant for MV.

CONCLUSION

Anterolateral and superior spread to the neck is typical in DOIs, whereas caudal progression is rare. Postoperative need for MV can be well recognized from CT.

Diagnosis and Clinical Features of Perianal Lesions in Newly Diagnosed Crohn's Disease: Subgroup Analysis from Inception Cohort Registry Study of Patients with Crohn's Disease (iCREST-CD)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Perianal lesion is a refractory phenotype of Crohn's disease [CD] with significantly diminished quality of life. We evaluated the clinical characteristics of perianal lesions in newly diagnosed CD patients and the impact of perianal lesions on the quality of life in Japanese patients with CD.

METHODS

Patients newly diagnosed with CD after June 2016 were included between December 2018 and June 2020 from the Inception Cohort Registry Study of Patients with CD [iCREST-CD].

RESULTS

Perianal lesions were present in 324 [48.2%] of 672 patients with newly diagnosed CD; 71.9% [233/324] were male. The prevalence of perianal lesions was higher in patients aged <40 years vs ≥40 years, and it decreased with age. Perianal fistula [59.9%] and abscess [30.6%] were the most common perianal lesions. In multivariate analyses, male sex, age <40 years and ileocolonic disease location were significantly associated with a high prevalence of perianal lesions, whereas stricturing behaviour and alcohol intake were associated with low prevalence. Fatigue was more frequent [33.3% vs 21.6%] while work productivity and activity impairment-work time missed [36.3% vs 29.5%] and activity impairment [51.9% vs 41.1%] were numerically higher in patients with than those without perianal lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

At the time of CD diagnosis, approximately half of the patients had perianal lesions; perianal abscesses and perianal fistulas were the most common. Young age, male sex, disease location and behaviour were significantly associated with the presence of perianal lesions. The presence of perianal lesion was associated with fatigue and impairment of daily activities.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY

University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry System [UMIN-CTR, UMIN000032237].

The COVID-19 pandemic and its possible impact on the treatment of odontogenic and intraoral abscesses

Most odontogenic and intraoral abscesses can be treated on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia. However, severe disease progression may require an incision under general anesthesia (GA) with postoperative inpatient treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the first "COVID-19 year" in Germany and compare the first "COVID-19 year" with the two previous years. All consecutive cases with odontogenic or intraoral abscesses treated in an outpatient or inpatient setting between 2018 and 2021 were included in this study. Data were collected, including the type of anesthesia, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs. Despite the lower total number of abscess treatments in the first year of COVID-19 (n = 298 patients) than that in the two previous years (n = 663 patients), the number of advanced abscesses requiring intervention under GA was significantly higher (p < 0.001). This increased burden of care was also reflected in increased healthcare costs. The measures taken against the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the course of other diseases, for example, odontogenic and intraoral abscesses. The results showed an emerging conflict in patient care during the pandemic crisis that should be considered in possible future pandemics.

A community-based study of abscess self-treatment and barriers to medical care among people who inject drugs in the United States

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are the most common medical complication of injection drug use in the United States, though little work has been done assessing SSTI treatment among people who inject drugs (PWID). We examined past-3-month abscess characteristics, treatment utilization, and barriers to medical treatment among N = 494 community-recruited PWID. We used descriptive statistics to determine the frequencies of self-treatment and medical treatment for their most recent past-3-month abscess as well as barriers to seeking medical treatment. We then used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with having an abscess in the past 3 months. Overall, 67% of participating PWID ever had an abscess and 23% had one in the past 3 months. Only 29% got medical treatment for their most recent abscess whereas 79% self-treated. Methods for self-treatment included pressing the pus out (81%), applying a hot compress (79%), and applying hydrogen peroxide (67%). Most (91%) self-treated abscesses healed without further intervention. Barriers to medical treatment included long wait times (56%), being afraid to go (49%), and not wanting to be identified as a PWID (46%). Factors associated independently with having an abscess in the past 3 months were injecting purposely into muscle tissue (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.64), having difficulty finding a vein (AOR = 2.08), and sharing injection preparation equipment (AOR = 1.74). Our findings emphasize the importance of expanding community-based access to SSTI education and treatment services, particularly at syringe service programs where PWID may be more comfortable seeking resources.

Impact of drug consumption rooms on non-fatal overdoses, abscesses and emergency department visits in people who inject drugs in France: results from the COSINUS cohort

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of drug consumption rooms (DCRs) for people who inject drugs (PWID) has been demonstrated for HIV and hepatitis C virus risk practices, and access to care for substance use disorders. However, data on other health-related complications are scarce. Using data from the French COSINUS cohort, we investigated the impact of DCR exposure on non-fatal overdoses, abscesses and emergency department (ED) visits, all in the previous 6 months.

METHODS

COSINUS is a 12-month prospective cohort study of 665 PWID in France studying DCR effectiveness on health. We collected data from face-to-face interviews at enrolment, and at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. After adjusting for other correlates (P-value < 0.05), the impact of DCR exposure on each outcome was assessed using a two-step Heckman mixed-effects probit model, allowing us to adjust for potential non-randomization bias due to differences between DCR-exposed and DCR-unexposed participants, while taking into account the correlation between repeated measures.

RESULTS

At enrolment, 21%, 6% and 38% of the 665 participants reported overdoses, abscesses and ED visits, respectively. Multivariable models found that DCR-exposed participants were less likely to report overdoses [adjusted coefficient (95% CI): -0.47 (-0.88; -0.07), P = 0.023], abscesses [-0.74 (-1.11; -0.37), P < 0.001] and ED visits [-0.74 (-1.27; -0.20), P = 0.007].

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to show the positive impact of DCR exposure on abscesses and ED visits, and confirms DCR effectiveness in reducing overdoses, when adjusting for potential non-randomization bias. Our findings strengthen the argument to expand DCR implementation to improve PWID injection environment and health.

Epidemiologic, Imaging, and Clinical Issues in Bezold’s Abscess: A Systematic Review

Bezold’s abscess is a deep neck abscess related to otomastoiditis. Due to the insidious clinical presentation, diagnosis can be extremely challenging, leading to delays in treatment and possible life-threatening complications. The literature currently provides a fragmented picture, presenting only single or small number of cases. The present study aims at examining our experience and the literature findings (based on PRISMA criteria) of 97 patients with Bezold’s abscess, summarizing their epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, imaging findings, and treatments. Bezold’s abscess is found at any age, with overt male prevalence among adults. The clinical presentation, as well as the causative pathogens, are strikingly heterogeneous. Otomastoiditis and cholesteatoma are major risk factors. A clinical history of otitis is commonly reported (43%). CT and MRI are the main diagnostic tools, proving the erosion of the mastoid tip in 53% of patients and the presence of a concomitant cholesteatoma in 40%. Intracranial vascular (24%) or infectious (9%) complications have also been reported. Diagnosis might be easily achieved when imaging (CT) is properly applied. MRI has a limited diagnostic role, but it might be crucial whenever intracranial complications or the coexistence of cholesteatoma are suspected, helping to develop proper treatment (prompt antibiotic therapy and surgery).

Severe corneal abscess: epidemiology and clinicobacteriological aspect

AIM

To assess epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients presenting with a clinically diagnosed severe corneal abscess at the Farhat Hached Hospital Department of Ophthalmology (Sousse).

METHODS

A retrospective, descriptive and anlalytic study of patients presenting severe corneal abscess was conducted over 5 years, from january 1st of 2013 to septembre 3Oth of 2017. The epidemiological, clinical and microbiological aspects, were analyzed.

RESULTS

one hundred and one of of 100 patients were presented severe corneal abscess. The mean age was 54,1 ans years old. The mean delay for referral was 15,5days. The most frequent Risk factor was chronic keratopathy noted in 59% ofcases. Corneal trauma was noted in (30%) and use of contact lenses in (12%).Visual acuity was less than 1/10 in 72% of the patients. Bacteriological cultures isolated an organism in 39.9 % of cases. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (23,3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16,7%), streptococcus (13,3%) were the most frequent species that have been found.

CONCLUSION

A good preliminary analysis of the risk factors, the mode of infection, and the appropriate search for the incriminated germs, allow secondarily an adequate management of the severe corneal abscesses.

Sonographically Occult Abscesses of the Buttock and Perineum in Children

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound (US) is used to differentiate abscess from cellulitis. At our institution, we observed children who had purulent fluid obtained after a negative abscess US. We sought to determine the incidence of sonographically occult abscess (SOA) of the buttock and perineum, and identify associated clinical and demographic characteristics.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review including children younger than 18 years old presenting to pediatric emergency department with soft tissue infection of the buttock or perineum and diagnostic radiology US read as negative for abscess. We defined SOA as wound culture growing pathogenic organism obtained within 48 hours of the US. Clinical and demographic characteristics included age, sex, race, ethnicity, fever, history of spontaneous drainage, duration of symptoms, previous methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, or previous abscess. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression to assess correlation between these characteristics and SOA.

RESULTS

A total of 217 children were included. Sixty-one (28%) children had SOA; 33 of 61 (54%) had incision and drainage within 4 hours of the US. Of children with SOA, 49 (80%) grew MRSA and 12 (20%) grew methicillin-sensitive S. aureus. In univariate analysis, a history of MRSA, symptom duration 4 days or less, age of younger than 4 years, and Hispanic ethnicity increased the odds of having SOA. In multivariate analysis, history of MRSA and duration of 4 days or less were associated with SOA.

CONCLUSIONS

Twenty-eight percent of children in our institution with US of the buttock and perineum negative for abscess had clinical abscess within 48 hours, most within 4 hours. History of MRSA and shorter symptom duration increased the odds of SOA.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race: A Solid Case for a 3-Stage Approach in Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Approximately 10% to 20% of patients with ulcerative colitis require surgery during their disease course, of which the most common is the staged restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to compare the rates of anastomotic leaks among all staged restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA procedures.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a single tertiary care IBD center.

PATIENTS

All patients with ulcerative colitis or IBD-unspecified who underwent a primary total proctocolectomy with IPAA for medically refractory disease or dysplasia between 2008 and 2017 were identified.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was anastomotic leak within a 6-month postoperative period. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to compare patients with and without anastomotic leaks.

RESULTS

The sample was composed of 584 nonemergent patients, of whom 50 (8.6%) underwent 1-stage, 162 (27.7%) underwent 2-stage, 58 (9.9%) underwent modified 2-stage, and 314 (53.7%) underwent a 3-stage total proctocolectomy with IPAA. The primary indication was medically refractory disease in 488 patients and dysplasia/cancer in 101 patients. Anastomotic leak occurred in 10 patients (3.2%) after 3-stage, 14 patients (8.6%) after 2-stage, 6 patients (10.3%) after modified 2-stage, and 10 patients (20.0%) after a 1-stage procedure. A 3-stage procedure had fewer leaks and additional procedures for leaks compared with 1- and modified 2-stage procedures (p < 0.03). The 3-stage procedure had fewer combined anastomotic leaks and pelvic abscesses than all of the other staged procedures (p < 0.05).

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its retrospective design and evolving electronic medical charts system.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3-stage total proctocolectomy with IPAA is the optimal staged method in ulcerative colitis to reduce leaks and related complications. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B693.

LENTO Y CONSTANTE GANA LA CARRERA UN CASO SLIDO PARA UN ENFOQUE DE TRES ETAPAS EN LA COLITIS ULCEROSA

ANTECEDENTES:Aproximadamente el 10-20% de los pacientes con colitis ulcerosa requieren cirugía durante el curso de su enfermedad, de los cuales la más común es la proctocolectomía restauradora escalonada con anastomosis con bolsa ileo-anal.OBJETIVO:El objetivo fue comparar las tasas de fugas anastomóticas entre todos los procedimientos de proctocolectomía restauradora por etapas con procedimiento de anastomosis con bolsa ileo-anal.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ENTORNO CLÍNICO:Este estudio se llevó a cabo en un único centro de atención terciaria de tercer nivel para enfermedades inflamatorias del intestino.PACIENTES:Se identificaron todos los pacientes con colitis ulcerosa o enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal inespecífica que se sometieron a una proctocolectomía total primaria mas anastomosis con bolsa ileo-anal por enfermedad médicamente refractaria o displasia entre 2008 y 2017.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El resultado primario fue la fuga anastomótica dentro de un período posoperatorio de seis meses. Se utilizó regresión logística univariante y multivariante para comparar pacientes con y sin fugas anastomóticas.RESULTADOS:La muestra estuvo compuesta por 584 pacientes no emergentes, de los cuales 50 (8,6%) se sometieron a una etapa, 162 (27,7%) se sometieron a dos etapas, 58 (9,9%) se sometieron a modificación en dos etapas y 314 (53,7%) se sometieron a una proctocolectomía total en tres tiempos mas anastomosis con bolsa ileo-anal. La indicación principal fue enfermedad médicamente refractaria en 488 pacientes y displasia / cáncer en 101 pacientes. Se produjo una fuga anastomótica en 10 (3,2%) pacientes después de tres etapas, 14 (8,6%) pacientes después de dos etapas, 6 (10,3%) pacientes después de dos etapas modificadas y 10 (20,0%) pacientes después de una etapa procedimiento. Un procedimiento de tres etapas tuvo menos fugas y procedimientos adicionales para las fugas en comparación con los procedimientos de una y dos etapas modificadas (p <0.03). El procedimiento de tres etapas tuvo menos fugas anastomóticas y abscesos pélvicos combinados que todos los demás procedimientos por etapas (p <0,05).LIMITACIONES:Este estudio estuvo limitado por su diseño retrospectivo y su sistema de registros médicos electrónicos en evolución.CONCLUSIONES:La proctocolectomía total en tres etapas mas anastomosis con bolsa ileo-anal es el método óptimo por etapas en la colitis ulcerosa para reducir las fugas y las complicaciones relacionadas. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B693.

Paediatric dental pain and infection during the COVID period

BACKGROUND

During the coronavirus pandemic, paediatric patients will still likely present with dental pain and infection. In order to streamline care at King's College Hospital (KCH), Paediatric Dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) have developed a collaborative working approach allowing patients to be treated effectively and to streamline patient care in the absence of easy access to general anaesthetic facilities.

METHOD

Presenting complaints, treatment need and the treatment received were recorded for all paediatric patients presenting with dental pain and infection in the "lockdown" period (23rd March- 14th June) during "normal" working hours and "out of hours" to either paediatric dentistry or OMFS.

RESULTS

420 calls were triaged which converted to 67 patients seen face-to-face for oro-facial pain and infection. 41% of children were treated successfully under Local anaesthetic alone, only 13% required a general anaesthetic (GA) in the "lockdown" period. The vast majority of patients had antibiotics prescribed prior to attendance (80%).

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated the demographic, presenting complaints and treatment need of patients who presented to KCH during the lockdown period with dental pain and infection. The majority were able to be treated without needing for GA facilities. This paper highlights how a collaborative approach between paediatric dentistry and OMFS can help streamline patient care and is a model which can be adopted by other units in the event of further "lockdowns".

Impact of lockdown on emergency general surgery during first 2020 COVID-19 outbreak

Purpose

To evaluate and analyze the impact of lockdown strategy due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on emergency general surgery (EGS) in the Milan area at the beginning of pandemic outbreak.

Methods

A survey was distributed to 14 different hospitals of the Milan area to analyze the variation of EGS procedures. Each hospital reported the number of EGS procedures in the same time frame comparing 2019 and 2020. The survey revealed that the number of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020 was reduced by 19% when compared with 2019. The decrease was statistically significant only for abdominal wall surgery. Interestingly, in 2020, there was an increase of three procedures: surgical intervention for acute mesenteric ischemia (p = 0.002), drainage of perianal abscesses (p = 0.000285), and cholecystostomy for acute cholecystitis (p = 0.08).

Conclusions

During the first COVID-19 pandemic wave in the metropolitan area of Milan, the number of patients operated for emergency diseases decreased by around 19%. We believe that this decrease is related either to the fear of the population to ask for emergency department (ED) consultation and to a shift towards a more non-operative management in the surgeons ‘decision making’ process. The increase of acute mesenteric ischaemia and perianal abscess might be related to the modification of dietary habits and reduction of physical activity related to the lockdown.

Open versus laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis

BACKGROUND

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is a disorder of young children (aged one year or less) and can be treated by laparoscopic (LP) or open (OP) longitudinal myotomy of the pylorus. Since the first description in 1990, LP is being performed more often worldwide.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and safety of open versus laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for IHPS.

SEARCH METHODS

We conducted a literature search on 04 February 2021 to identify all randomised controlled trials (RCTs), without any language restrictions. We searched the following electronic databases: MEDLINE (1990 to February 2021), Embase (1990 to February 2021), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). We also searched the Internet using the Google Search engine (www.google.com) and Google Scholar (scholar.google.com) to identify grey literature not indexed in databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs and quasi-randomised trials comparing LP with OP for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened references and extracted data from trial reports. Where outcomes or study details were not reported, we requested missing data from the corresponding authors of the primary RCTs. We used a random-effects model to calculate risk ratios (RRs) for binary outcomes, and mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes. Two review authors independently assessed risks of bias. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for all outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

The electronic database search resulted in a total of 434 records. After de-duplication, we screened 410 independent publications, and ultimately included seven RCTs (reported in 8 reports) in quantitative analysis. The seven included RCTs enrolled 720 participants (357 with open pyloromyotomy and 363 with laparoscopic pyloromyotomy). One study was a multi-country trial, three were carried out in the USA, and one study each was carried out in France, Japan, and Bangladesh. The evidence suggests that LP may result in a small increase in mucosal perforation compared with OP (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.49 to 5.26; 7 studies, 720 participants; low-certainty evidence). LP may result in up to 5 extra instances of mucosal perforation per 1,000 participants; however, the confidence interval ranges from 4 fewer to 44 more per 1,000 participants. Four RCTs with 502 participants reported on incomplete pyloromyotomy. They indicate that LP may increase the risk of incomplete pyloromyotomy compared with OP, but the confidence interval crosses the line of no effect (RR 7.37, 95% CI 0.92 to 59.11; 4 studies, 502 participants; low-certainty evidence). In the LP groups, 6 cases of incomplete pyloromyotomy were reported in 247 participants while no cases of incomplete pyloromyotomy were reported in the OP groups (from 255 participants). All included studies (720 participants) reported on postoperative wound infections or abscess formations. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of LP on postoperative wound infection or abscess formation compared with OP (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.45; 7 studies, 720 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The evidence is also very uncertain about the effect of LP on postoperative incisional hernia compared with OP (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.11 to 9.53; 4 studies, 382 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Length of hospital stay was assessed by five RCTs, including 562 participants. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of LP compared to OP (mean difference -3.01 hours, 95% CI -8.39 to 2.37 hours; very low-certainty evidence). Time to full feeds was assessed by six studies, including 622 participants. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of LP on time to full feeds compared with OP (mean difference -5.86 hours, 95% CI -15.95 to 4.24 hours; very low-certainty evidence). The evidence is also very uncertain about the effect of LP on operating time compared with OP (mean difference 0.53 minutes, 95% CI -3.53 to 4.59 minutes; 6 studies, 622 participants; very low-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy may result in a small increase in mucosal perforation when compared with open pyloromyotomy for IHPS. There may be an increased risk of incomplete pyloromyotomy following LP compared with OP, but the effect estimate is imprecise and includes the possibility of no difference. We do not know about the effect of LP compared with OP on the need for re-operation, postoperative wound infections or abscess formation, postoperative haematoma or seroma formation, incisional hernia occurrence, length of postoperative stay, time to full feeds, or operating time because the certainty of the evidence was very low for these outcomes. We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for most outcomes due to limitations in the study design (most outcomes were susceptible to detection bias) and imprecision. There is limited evidence available comparing LP with OP for IHPS. The included studies did not provide sufficient information to determine the effect of training, experience, or surgeon preferences on the outcomes assessed.

Pulp chamber features, prevalence of abscesses, disease severity, and PHEX mutation in X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets

INTRODUCTION

Rickets, growth failure, and recurrent periapical abscesses with fistulae are main signs in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH). Prevalence of abscesses, pulp chamber features, biochemical findings, disease severity, and PHEX gene mutation were examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pulp chambers size, shape, and morphology were assessed by orthopantomography in XLH patients (n = 24, age 5.8 ± 1.6 years) and in sex and age-matched healthy controls (n = 23, age 6.2 ± 1.4 years). XLH patients received conventional treatment (3.5 ± 1.9 years). Pulp chamber features were assessed in teeth of primary dentition and in the permanent left mandibular first molar and compared with those of controls. Rickets severity score was assessed at wrist, knee, and ankle.

RESULTS

The mean pulp chamber area/tooth area ratio, mean pulp chamber height/pulp chamber width ratio, and prominence of pulp horns into the tooth crown in primary and secondary molars were significantly higher in patients than in controls and in patients suffered abscesses than in patients without abscesses. Sixteen patients (67%) had a history of abscesses; incisors were affected more than canines and molars. Severity of rickets and mean serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were significantly higher, and mean serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)₂D] levels significantly lower in patients suffered abscesses than in patients without abscesses. PHEX gene mutations were not correlated with dental phenotype and disease severity.

CONCLUSION

Enlarged pulp chambers with altered shape and morphology affected the majority of XLH patients predisposing to recurrent periapical abscesses with fistulae. Dental phenotype was associated with severity of rickets, high serum PTH, and low serum 1,25(OH)₂D levels.

Acute Care Surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain: Changes in volume, causes and complications. A multicentre retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Acute Care Surgery procedures performed in Spanish hospitals decreased significantly. The aim of this study was to compare Acute Care Surgery activity during the COVID-19 pandemic and during a control period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

a multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed including patients who underwent Acute Care Surgery in three tertiary care hospitals in Spain during a control (11th March 2019 to 21st April 2019) and a pandemic (16th March 2020 to 26th April 2020) period. Type of surgical procedures, patients' features and postoperative complications were compared.

RESULTS

two hundred and eighty-five and 117 patients were included in each group. Mean number of patients who underwent Acute Care Surgery during the control and pandemic periods was 2.3 and 0.9 patients per day and hospital (p < 0.001), representing a 58.9% decrease in Acute Care Surgery activity. Time from symptoms onset to patient arrival at the Emergency Department was longer during the pandemic (44.6 vs. 71.0 h, p < 0.001). Surgeries due to acute cholecystitis and complications from previous elective procedures decreased (26.7% vs. 9.4%) during the pandemic, while bowel obstructions and abdominal wall hernia surgeries increased (12.3% vs. 22.2%) (p = 0.001). Morbidity was higher during pandemic period (34.7% vs. 47.1%, p = 0.022), although this difference was not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Reoperation rate (17.9% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.212) and mortality (6.7% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.358) were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

during the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant reduction in the performance of Acute Care Surgery procedures was observed. Moreso, a longer time from symptoms onset to patient arrival at the Emergency Department was noted. Higher morbidity was observed in patients undergoing Acute Care Surgery during the pandemic period, although there was not any difference in mortality or reoperation rate.

Prevalence and severity of abscesses and cellulitis, and their associations with other health outcomes, in a community-based study of people who inject drugs in London, UK

BACKGROUND

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) are a common but preventable cause of morbidity and mortality among people who inject drugs (PWID). They can be severe, and hospitalisations of PWID with SSTI are rising. The most common SSTI presentations are abscesses and cellulitis.

METHODS

We used data from Care & Prevent, a cross-sectional community survey of PWID in London. We reported the lifetime prevalence of SSTI, severity of infections, key risk factors, and associated sequelae. Pictorial questions were used to assess SSTI severity.

RESULTS

We recruited 455 PWID. SSTI lifetime prevalence was high: 64% reported an abscess and/or cellulitis. Over one-third (37%) reported a severe infection, 137 (47%) reported hospitalisation. SSTIrisk factors were: aged 35+ years, injecting once or more times a day, subcutaneous or intra-muscular injections, and making four or more attempts to achieve an injection. Those who reported having other health conditions were at higher odds of having an abscess or cellulitis, with risk tending to increase with number of reported conditions. Half (46%) employed self-care for their worst SSTI, and 43% waited for ten or more days before seeking medical care or not seeking medical care at all.

CONCLUSIONS

Abscess and cellulitis are very common among PWID in London. We corroborate findings indicating SSTIs are associated with risks, e.g. venous access problems, as well as other co-morbid conditions: septicaemia, endocarditis, DVT, and kidney disease. These co-morbidities may impact SSTIs severity and outcomes. Delayed healthcare seeking potentially exacerbates infection severity, which in turn increases poorer health outcomes and complications.

Distal pancreatectomy in cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Identifying risk and improving patient selection

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) has become a principal tool in the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), but inclusion of pancreatic resection to obtain optimal debulking remains controversial.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 419 patients with PC who underwent CRS/HIPEC. The patients were divided into two cohorts, those with distal pancreatectomy (DP) and those without (NP), and morbidity and survival outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

The DP cohort (n = 37) and the NP cohort (n = 371) had similar clinicopathologic characteristics (age, p = 0.596; gender, p = 0.328; ASA, p = 0.072). Operative time, number of organs resected, and EBL were greater in the DP cohort (<0.0001). A complete cytoreduction was achieved in 90% of the NP cohort versus 69% of the DP cohort (p = 0.0004). Major perioperative morbidity was more common in those with pancreatic resection (41% vs 19%, p = 0.002). However, there was no significant difference in 90-day mortality or overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Achieving complete cytoreduction is critical to improving long term outcomes for patients with PC. Although pancreatic resections are associated with higher morbidity, short-term survival is not impacted adversely. Pancreatic involvement should not be a strict exclusion criterion for CRS/HIPEC, but patients need to be selected carefully, with close attention to disease burden prior to proceeding.

A national survey on esophageal perforation: study of cases at accredited institutions by the Japanese Esophagus Society

OBJECTIVE

To get a clear view of the current state of treatment for esophageal perforation in Japan. Esophagus perforations are the most serious gastrointestinal tract perforations and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The optimal treatment choice remains unknown.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective clinical review of 182 esophageal perforation cases at 108 hospitals accredited by the Japanese Esophageal Society between January 2010 and December 2015.

RESULTS

We found that 20.9% of patients were incorrectly diagnosed initially. We observed mediastinum emphysema in 83.5% of patients, and serious abscess formations of the mediastinum and intrathoracic cavity in 38.6% and 29.6%, respectively. The lower esophagus was the most commonly perforated site (77.7%). Management of esophageal perforations included nonoperative treatment in 20 patients (11%) and operative treatment in 162 patients (89%). The overall mortality rate was 6.9%. The survivors had significantly shorter times from symptom appearance to visit (p = 0.0016), and from time to visit to diagnosis confirmation (p = 0.0011). Moreover, patients older than 65 years, white blood cells less than 3000/mm³, C-reactive protein > 10 mg/L, or abscesses in the thoracic cavity showed significantly higher mortality than others.

CONCLUSION

Shortening the time from onset to the start of treatment contributes to reduce mortality in patients with esophageal perforation. Moreover, strict medical treatment is necessary to lower the mortality rate of elderly patients with strong inflammation and abscesses in the thoracic cavity.

The Trends of Complicated Acute Colonic Diverticulitis-A Systematic Review of the National Administrative Databases

Background and Objectives: The diverticular disease includes a broad spectrum of different "clinical situations" from diverticulosis to acute diverticulitis (AD), with a full spectrum of severity ranging from self-limiting infection to abscess or fistula formation to free perforation. The present work aimed to assess the burden of complicated diverticulitis through a comparative analysis of the hospitalizations based on the national administrative databases. Materials and Methods: A review of the international and national administrative databases concerning admissions for complicated AD was performed. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. No definition of acute complicated diverticulitis was reported in any study. Complicated AD accounted for approximately 42% and 79% of the hospitalizations. The reported rates of abscess varied between 1% and 10% from all admissions for AD and 5-29% of the cases with complicated AD. An increasing temporal trend was found in one study-from 6% to 10%. The rates of diffuse peritonitis ranged from 1.6% to 10.2% of all hospitalizations and 11% and 47% of the complicated cases and were stable in the time. Conclusions: The available data precluded definitive conclusions because of the significant discrepancy between the included studies. The leading cause was the presence of heterogeneity due to coding inaccuracies in all databases, absence of ICD codes to distinguish the different type of complications, and the lack of coding data about some general conditions such as sepsis, shock, malnutrition, steroid therapy, diabetes, pulmonary, and heart failure.

Wound Culture Utility in Negative Surgical Exploration for Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection

Early surgical intervention decreases mortality in necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs). Yet, a subset of patients will not have NSTIs (non-NSTIs) at the time of exploration. We hypothesized that NSTI and non-NSTI patients had similar causative organisms and that intraoperative wound cultures could help guide management. Culture results and outcomes were compared for all patients undergoing surgery for suspected NSTIs over a seven-year-period. Of 295 patients, 240 (81.4%) had NSTIs. Of the 55 non-NSTI patients (18.6%), 50 had cellulitis and 5 had abscesses. NSTI and non-NSTI patients had similar rates of bacteremia (20.4% vs 17.6%, P = 0.66), septic shock (15.9% vs 12.7%, P = 0.68), and mortality (10.4% vs 7.2%, P = 0.62). Wound cultures were collected more often in NSTI patients (229/240, 95.4%) than in non-NSTI patients (42/55, 76.4%, P < 0.01). Non-NSTI patients had positive deep wound cultures more than half of the time (23/42, 54.8%). The microbiologic profile was similar between groups, with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Group A Streptococcus occurring with the same frequency. We advocate for deep wound cultures in all patients being evaluated operatively for NSTIs even if the exploration is considered negative because these patients have similar clinical characteristics and virulent microbiology, and culture results can help guide antimicrobial therapy.

Serious complications due to acute rhinosinusitis in children up to five years old in Stockholm, Sweden - Still a challenge in the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyze the rate of admissions, the rate of serious complications (postseptal orbital complications and surgery) and the bacterial etiology of acute rhinosinusitis in hospitalized children under five years old in Stockholm County, eight years after the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). The secondary aim was to compare this period with the period four years prior to the vaccine's introduction.

METHODS

This was a population-based, descriptive observational study with retrospectively collected data from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2016 in Stockholm County. Hospital admissions of children with a discharge diagnosis of rhinosinusitis and related complications were reviewed and compared to the pre-PCV period of 2003-2007.

RESULTS

A total of 215 children were admitted, for a yearly incidence of 18.8 per 100 000 children (22.8 for boys, 14.6 for girls). Computer tomography-verified postseptal orbital complications occurred in 29 cases (13.5%) and surgery was necessary in nine (4.2%). Pathogens other than Streptococcus pneumoniae were found in the cases with postseptal complication or surgery (Streptococcus pyogenes in four, Haemophilus influenzae in three and Staphylococcus aureus in one case). In comparison to the four years pre-PCV, the incidence of admission decreased from 43.81 to 20.31 and 17.45 per 100 000/year for the two four-year periods after vaccine introduction. The incidence of CT-verified postseptal complication increased slightly from 1.51 to 2.34 and 2.74 per 100 000/year. The incidence of surgeries increased marginally but continued to be very low, from 0.22 to 0.54 and 1.03 per 100 000/year.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications due to acute rhinosinusitis in children living in Stockholm County continues to be very rare after the introduction of pneumococcal vaccine. Hospitalization has decreased for children under five years old after PCV introduction, but the incidence or postseptal complications and surgery in the same population increased slightly. Predominantly bacteria other than Streptococcus pneumoniae was found. There is a need of larger studies to determine trends, and a need of prospective studies to elucidate the bacterial etiology, of serious complications due to acute rhinosinusitis in children.

Epidemiology and outcomes of anal abscess in patients on chronic dialysis: a 14-year retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

We conducted this retrospective study to elucidate the clinical presentation and outcomes of anal abscess in chronic dialysis patients.

METHODS

We performed a chart review of patients who were hospitalized for anal abscess from Jan. 2002 to Dec. 2015. A total of 3,074 episodes of anal abscess were identified. Of these, 43 chronic dialysis patients with first-time anal abscess were enrolled. Patients were divided into a surgical group and a nonsurgical group according to the treatment received during hospitalization. The baseline characteristics, clinical findings, treatments and outcomes were obtained and analyzed. The endpoints of this study were in-hospital mortality, one-year mortality and one-year recurrence.

RESULTS

Of the 43 patients, 27 (62.7%) received surgical treatment, and 16 (37.2%) received antibiotic treatment alone. There was no significant difference in age, sex, body mass index, smoking habits, comorbidities, or dialysis characteristics between the two groups. Perianal abscess was the most common type of anal abscess, and 39.5% of patients experienced fistula formation. Most patients had mixed aerobic and anaerobic flora. Our data demonstrate that there was no significant difference in hospital stay, one-year survival or recurrence rate between the surgical group and nonsurgical group. However, there was a trend toward better in-hospital survival in patients who received surgical treatment (p=0.082).

CONCLUSION

In chronic dialysis patients with anal abscess, there was no statistically significant difference in clinical presentation and outcomes between the surgical and nonsurgical groups, although the surgical group had a trend of better in-hospital survival.

Following in the footsteps of Hippocrates-interrelation between the incidence of odontogenic abscess and meteorological parameters

OBJECTIVES

Although many physicians in daily practice assume a connection between odontogenic infections and meteorological parameters, this has not yet been scientifically proven. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of odontogenic abscess (OA) in relation to outdoor temperature and atmospheric pressure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An analysis of patients with an odontogenic abscess who presented at the emergency department within a period of 24 months was performed. Only patients who had not received surgical or antibiotic treatment prior to presentation and who lived in Berlin/Brandenburg were included. The OA incidence was correlated with the mean/maximum outdoor temperature and atmospheric pressure starting from 14 days before presentation. The statistical analysis was carried out using Poisson regression models with OA incidence as dependent and meteorological parameters as independent variables.

RESULTS

A total of 535 patients (mean age 39.4 years; range 1 to 95 years) with 538 cases were included. Of these, 227 were hospitalized. The most frequent diagnosis was a canine fossa abscess. A significant association between mean (p = 0.0153) and maximum temperature (p = 0.008) on the day of the presentation and abscess incidence was observed. Furthermore, a significant correlation between OA incidence and maximum temperature 2 days before presentation was found (p = 0.034). The deviation of the mean temperature on the day of the presentation from the monthly mean temperature had a significant influence (p = 0.021) on the incidence of OA. In contrast to temperature, atmospheric pressure had no significant influence on the incidence of OA.

CONCLUSION

This study supports a relationship between the incidence of odontogenic abscess and outdoor temperature, but not atmospheric pressure. A significantly higher frequency of patients with an OA presented at our emergency department on days with (comparably) low and high outdoor temperatures. Furthermore, a significant correlation between incidence and maximum temperature 2 days before presentation was found.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The treatment of odontogenic infections has become a significant economic burden to public health care facilities. The results of this study may help to adapt the numbers of doctors/dentists on duty in relation to different weather conditions. In any case, it is an impetus to think outside the box.

The Burden of Severe Lactational Mastitis in Ireland from 2006 to 2015

This aim of this paper is to describe the trends in the burden of severe lactational mastitis among women in Ireland through an analysis of postnatal mastitis hospital admission rates from 2006 to 2015. Data on all postnatal hospitalisations with principal diagnosis of mastitis were extracted from the Hospital Inpatient Enquiry system. Trends in annual admission rates per 10,000 live births were analysed using non-parametric trend tests. The overall admission rate for lactational mastitis was 24.4/10,000 live births. There was a significant increase in admission rates from 22.7/10,000 in 2006, to 30.9/10,000 in 2015 (Mann Kendall Trend: t=0.64; Sen’s slope=1.46, p=0.01). Ireland has a high hospital admission rate for lactational mastitis, despite very low breastfeeding rates. These two factors may be linked, with low breastfeeding prevalence possibly contributing to low levels of expertise in the management of mastitis, leading to higher complication rates. This is an important area for future research.

Thiazolidinediones and reduced risk of incident bacterial abscess in adults with type 2 diabetes: A population-based cohort study

AIM

Previous research has suggested that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) may play an important role in immunomodulation. We aimed to examine the association between thiazolidinediones, PPAR-γ agonists and incidence of bacterial abscess among patients with type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study between 2000 and 2010 included 46 986 propensity (PS)-matched patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We compared the incidence of bacterial abscess, including liver and non-liver abscesses, between patients treated with metformin plus a thiazolidinedione (M + T, N = 7831) or metformin plus a sulfonylurea (M + S, N = 39 155). Data were retrieved from a population-based Taiwanese database. We applied Cox proportional hazard regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), comparing M + T and M + S after PS matching.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, the incidence rate of bacterial abscess was lower with M + T than with M + S treatment (1.89 vs 3.15 per 1000 person-years) in the PS-matched cohort. M + T was associated with a reduced risk of bacterial abscess (HRs after PS matching, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.42-0.80 for total bacterial abscess; 0.54; 95% CI, 0.28-1.07 for liver abscess; 0.59; 95% CI, 0.41-0.85 for non-liver abscess). Results did not change materially after accounting for unmeasured confounding factors using high-dimenional PS matching and differential censoring between regimen groups. Rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, in combination with metformin, produced similar reductions in risk of all abscess outcomes.

CONCLUSION

We found that M + T may provide a protective benefit in reducing the incidence of bacterial abscesses. These findings merit further investigation.

Pufa Index and Related Factors Among 36- to 71-month-old Children in Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE

To determine the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries among preschool children by using the pufa index (visible pulp, ulceration of the oral mucosa due to root fragments, a fistula or an abscess) and the incorporation of some risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected via structured, pre-tested questionnaires from 729 parents in Turkey's capital, Ankara. Examinations were performed under field conditions by one examiner. The decayed teeth were scored according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II criteria. The filled and missing teeth and surfaces were also recorded as dmft and dmfs, and the pufa index was used for the consequences of untreated caries. The associations were evaluated by univariate analysis and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The means age of the study population was 58.8 ± 8.6 months. 45% of the children were female and 55% were male. Mean dmft and dmfs were 4.8 ± 4.7 and 8.3 ± 10.2, respectively. 73.8% of the children had early childhood caries (ECC), while 51.0% had severe cases. Only 58 children (8.0%) had totally healthy primary teeth according to ICDAS II. Of the children with caries (n = 538), 17.5% had at least one pufa tooth. According to the logistic regression analysis, sex, having at least one sibling, extraction experience, and father's educational level were found to be the factors associated with the existence of pufa.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare providers' attention must be drawn to both untreated carious lesions and the high ECC proportion among preschool children.

Group A Streptococcal bacteraemia. Experience at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objectives:

To identify clinical presentation, predisposing factors, and the outcome in patients with Group A Streptococcal bacteremia.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study of 33 pediatric and adult patients with Streptococcus pyogenes bacteremia, admitted at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2007 to 2015.

Results:

Thirty-three patient records, documenting bacteremia with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, were reviewed. Approximately 51.5% were pediatric and 48.5% were adult patients, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. The most frequently reported complications were renal impairment (45.5%) and acute respiratory distress (21.2%), followed by localized infection (15.2%), pleural effusion (6.1%), abscess (9.1%), necrotizing fasciitis (9.1%), septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis (3%). There were 10 episodes of shock: 6 were in pediatric and 4 were in adult patients. At the end of the study period, 12.1% patients died from the illness, 81.1% recovered from illness with no sequelae, while 6.1% recovered with sequelae. Mortality was observed in 4 patients; of them, 3 were pediatric patients and one was an adult with co-morbidities.

Conclusions:

We have noted a minimal change in the disease pattern over the 28 years in Saudi Arabia. The management of invasive GAS infection depends on an accurate and timely diagnosis with an appropriate use of antimicrobial therapy. The highest risks appear to be related to chronic illness. Invasive Group A Streptococcal infection is known to have a high mortality rate.

Tonsillectomy increases the risk of retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses in adults, but not in children: A national cohort study

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risk of retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses (deep neck infection) after tonsillectomy in Koreans using national cohort data.

Methods

Using the national cohort study from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, participants who had undergone a tonsillectomy (5,299) and control participants (21,196) were selected and matched 1:4 (for age, sex, income, region of residence, and pre-operative upper respiratory infection visits). The Cox-proportional hazard model was used. A crude model and an adjusted model for age, sex, income, region of residence, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were used in this analysis. For the subgroup analyses, the participants were divided into 2 groups: children (≤ 14 years old) and adolescents and adults (≥ 15 years old).

Results

The adjusted hazard ratio of deep neck infection after tonsillectomy was 1.43 (95% confidence interval, CI = 1.18–1.72, P < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, this ratio was 1.12 (95% CI = 0.86–1.47, P = 0.390) in children and 1.87 (95% CI = 1.43–2.45, P < 0.001) in adolescents and adults. The crude hazard ratios were almost the same as the adjusted ratios.

Conclusion

The risk of deep neck infection was higher in the tonsillectomy group. The subgroup analysis showed a similar finding in the adolescent and adult group but not in the child group.

Association between deep neck space abscesses and internal carotid artery narrowing in pediatric patients

Background/aim: Our aim was to interpret the effects of deep neck space abscesses on the adjacent carotid artery according to abscess location, as well as to determine narrowing by calculating the mean stenosis ratios.Materials and methods: Neck computed tomography scans and clinical data of 45 children with neck abscesses were evaluated retrospectively for abscess location and internal carotid artery narrowing. The lumen areas of the carotid arteries were measured from standard levels, and stenosis ratios were calculated with two different techniques. The mean stenosis ratios of each group according to abscess location were then compared with the control group.Results: Among the 45 abscesses included in the study, 51.1% (n = 23/45) were located in the peritonsillar region, 37.8% (n = 17/45) were located in the parapharyngeal-lateral retropharyngeal space, and 11.1% (n = 5/45) were in the midline retropharyngeal space. We found a statistically significant difference between the mean stenosis ratios of the ipsilateral side of the parapharyngeal-lateral retropharyngeal abscesses and the control group (P < 0.01).Conclusion: The children with parapharyngeal-lateral retropharyngeal abscesses all had narrowing in the adjacent carotid lumen to some degree. Although most of the patients had no clinical symptoms, radiologists have to be aware of this arterial complication to prevent further progress and fatal complications.

Risks and benefits of opportunistic salpingectomy during vaginal hysterectomy: a decision analysis

BACKGROUND

Fallopian tubes are commonly removed during laparoscopic and open hysterectomy to prevent ovarian and tubal cancer but are not routinely removed during vaginal hysterectomy because of perceptions of increased morbidity, difficulty, or inadequate surgical training.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to quantify complications and costs associated with a strategy of planned salpingectomy during vaginal hysterectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

We created a decision analysis model using TreeAgePro. Effectiveness outcomes included ovarian cancer incidence and mortality as well as major surgical complications. Modeled complications included transfusion, conversion to laparotomy or laparoscopy, abscess/hematoma requiring intervention, ileus, readmission, and reoperation within 30 days. We also modeled subsequent benign adnexal surgery beyond the postoperative window. Those whose procedures were converted from a vaginal route were assumed to undergo bilateral salpingectomy, regardless of treatment group, following American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines. Costs were gathered from published literature and Medicare reimbursement data, with internal cost data from 892 hysterectomies at a single institution used to estimate costs when necessary. Complication rates were determined from published literature and from 13,397 vaginal hysterectomies recorded in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2008 through 2013.

RESULTS

Switching from a policy of vaginal hysterectomy alone to a policy of routine planned salpingectomy prevents a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 1 of every 225 women having surgery and prevents death from ovarian cancer in 1 of every 450 women having surgery. Overall, salpingectomy was a less expensive strategy than not performing salpingectomy ($7350.62 vs $8113.45). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the driving force behind increased costs was the increased risk of subsequent benign adnexal surgery among women retaining their tubes. Planned opportunistic salpingectomy had more major complications than hysterectomy alone (7.95% vs 7.68%). Major complications included transfusion, conversion to laparotomy or laparoscopy, abscess/hematoma requiring intervention, ileus, readmission, and reoperation within 30 days. Therefore, routine salpingectomy results in 0.61 additional complications per case of cancer prevented and 1.21 additional complications per death prevented. A surgeon therefore must withstand an additional ∼3 complications to prevent 5 cancer diagnoses and ∼6 additional complications to prevent 5 cancer deaths.

CONCLUSION

Salpingectomy should routinely be performed with vaginal hysterectomy because it was the dominant and therefore cost-effective strategy. Complications are minimally increased, but the trade-off with cancer prevention is highly favorable.

Intracavity lavage and wound irrigation for prevention of surgical site infection

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are wound infections that occur after an operative procedure. A preventable complication, they are costly and associated with poorer patient outcomes, increased mortality, morbidity and reoperation rates. Surgical wound irrigation is an intraoperative technique, which may reduce the rate of SSIs through removal of dead or damaged tissue, metabolic waste, and wound exudate. Irrigation can be undertaken prior to wound closure or postoperatively. Intracavity lavage is a similar technique used in operations that expose a bodily cavity; such as procedures on the abdominal cavity and during joint replacement surgery.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of wound irrigation and intracavity lavage on the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI).

SEARCH METHODS

In February 2017 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched three clinical trials registries and references of included studies and relevant systematic reviews. There were no restrictions on language, date of publication or study setting.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of participants undergoing surgical procedures in which the use of a particular type of intraoperative washout (irrigation or lavage) was the only systematic difference between groups, and in which wounds underwent primary closure. The primary outcomes were SSI and wound dehiscence. Secondary outcomes were mortality, use of systemic antibiotics, antibiotic resistance, adverse events, re-intervention, length of hospital stay, and readmissions.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion at each stage. Two review authors also undertook data extraction, assessment of risk of bias and GRADE assessment. We calculated risk ratios or differences in means with 95% confidence intervals where possible.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 59 RCTs with 14,738 participants. Studies assessed comparisons between irrigation and no irrigation, between antibacterial and non-antibacterial irrigation, between different antibiotics, different antiseptics or different non-antibacterial agents, or between different methods of irrigation delivery. No studies compared antiseptic with antibiotic irrigation. Surgical site infectionIrrigation compared with no irrigation (20 studies; 7192 participants): there is no clear difference in risk of SSI between irrigation and no irrigation (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.11; I² = 28%; 14 studies, 6106 participants). This would represent an absolute difference of 13 fewer SSIs per 1000 people treated with irrigation compared with no irrigation; the 95% CI spanned from 31 fewer to 10 more SSIs. This was low-certainty evidence downgraded for risk of bias and imprecision.Antibacterial irrigation compared with non-antibacterial irrigation (36 studies, 6163 participants): there may be a lower incidence of SSI in participants treated with antibacterial irrigation compared with non-antibacterial irrigation (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.75; I² = 53%; 30 studies, 5141 participants). This would represent an absolute difference of 60 fewer SSIs per 1000 people treated with antibacterial irrigation than with non-antibacterial (95% CI 35 fewer to 78 fewer). This was low-certainty evidence downgraded for risk of bias and suspected publication bias.Comparison of irrigation of two agents of the same class (10 studies; 2118 participants): there may be a higher incidence of SSI in participants treated with povidone iodine compared with superoxidised water (Dermacyn) (RR 2.80, 95% CI 1.05 to 7.47; low-certainty evidence from one study, 190 participants). This would represent an absolute difference of 95 more SSIs per 1000 people treated with povidone iodine than with superoxidised water (95% CI 3 more to 341 more). All other comparisons found low- or very low-certainty evidence of no clear difference between groups.Comparison of two irrigation techniques: two studies compared standard (non-pulsed) methods with pulsatile methods. There may, on average, be fewer SSIs in participants treated with pulsatile methods compared with standard methods (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.62; I² = 0%; two studies, 484 participants). This would represent an absolute difference of 109 fewer SSIs occurring per 1000 with pulsatile irrigation compared with standard (95% CI 62 fewer to 134 fewer). This was low-certainty evidence downgraded twice for risks of bias across multiple domains. Wound dehiscenceFew studies reported wound dehiscence. No comparison had evidence for a difference between intervention groups. This included comparisons between irrigation and no irrigation (one study, low-certainty evidence); antibacterial and non-antibacterial irrigation (three studies, very low-certainty evidence) and pulsatile and standard irrigation (one study, low-certainty evidence). Secondary outcomesFew studies reported outcomes such as use of systemic antibiotics and antibiotic resistance and they were poorly and incompletely reported. There was limited reporting of mortality; this may have been partially due to failure to specify zero events in participants at low risk of death. Adverse event reporting was variable and often limited to individual event types. The evidence for the impact of interventions on length of hospital stay was low or moderate certainty; where differences were seen they were too small to be clinically important.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence base for intracavity lavage and wound irrigation is generally of low certainty. Therefore where we identified a possible difference in the incidence of SSI (in comparisons of antibacterial and non-antibacterial interventions, and pulsatile versus standard methods) these should be considered in the context of uncertainty, particularly given the possibility of publication bias for the comparison of antibacterial and non-antibacterial interventions. Clinicians should also consider whether the evidence is relevant to the surgical populations under consideration, the varying reporting of other prophylactic antibiotics, and concerns about antibiotic resistance.We did not identify any trials that compared an antibiotic with an antiseptic. This gap in the direct evidence base may merit further investigation, potentially using network meta-analysis; to inform the direction of new primary research. Any new trial should be adequately powered to detect a difference in SSIs in eligible participants, should use robust research methodology to reduce the risks of bias and internationally recognised criteria for diagnosis of SSI, and should have adequate duration and follow-up.

Community management of lactational mastitis and/or breast abscess: a retrospective audit

Lactational mastitis has an incidence of around 10 per cent in postpartum women, with breast abscess complicating some of these.The key principles of treatment include: supportive counselling, warm or cold compresses, effective milk removal, oral antibiotic therapy and symptomatic treatment. Patients can be managed in the community setting; however many present to hospital. The aim of this research was to establish which areas of clinical practice can be improved to reduce hospital admission rates. Sequential cases of lactation mastitis or breast abscess admitted to hospital over two years were reviewed, and it was found that the majority of patients attending the emergency department for management self-presented. There were low rates of utilisation of available community resources. There was poor patient knowledge of the natural history and simple management strategies for the condition. Midwives can play a vital role in educating new mothers and providing advice and support for non-pharmacological therapies.

The effects of amoxicillin treatment of newborn piglets on the prevalence of hernias and abscesses, growth and ampicillin resistance of intestinal coliform bacteria in weaned pigs

This study investigated the effects of a single amoxicillin treatment of newborn piglets on the prevalence of hernias and abscesses until the age of nine weeks. We also studied whether the treatment was associated with growth and mortality, the need for treatment of other diseases, the proportions of ampicillin resistant coliforms and antimicrobial resistance patterns of intestinal Escherichia coli (E. coli). A total of 7156 piglets, from approximately 480 litters, were divided into two treatment groups: ANT (N = 3661) and CON (N = 3495), where piglets were treated with or without a single intramuscular injection of 75 mg amoxicillin one day after birth, respectively. The umbilical and inguinal areas of weaned pigs were palpated at four and nine weeks of age. At the same time, altogether 124 pigs with hernias or abscesses and 820 non-defective pigs from three pens per batch were weighed individually. Mortality and the need to treat piglets for other diseases were recorded. Piglet faecal samples were collected from three areas of the floors of each pen at four weeks of age. The prevalence of umbilical hernias or abscesses did not differ between the groups at four weeks of age, but it was higher in the CON group than in the ANT group at nine weeks of age (2.3% vs. 0.7%, P < 0.05). Numbers of inguinal hernias and abscesses did not differ between the groups at four or nine weeks of age. The ANT group, when it compared with the CON group, increased the weight gain between four and nine weeks of age (LS means ± SE; 497.5 g/d ± 5.0 vs. 475.3 g/d ± 4.9, P < 0.01), and decreased piglet mortality (19.5% ± 1.0 vs. 6.9% ± 1.0, P < 0.05) and the need to treat the piglets for leg problems (3.4% ± 0.3 vs. 1.9% ± 0.3%, P < 0.01) but not for other diseases by the age of four weeks. The proportion of ampicillin resistant intestinal coliform bacteria and the resistance patterns of the E. coli isolates were not different between the ANT and CON groups. In conclusion, our results showed that the amoxicillin treatment of new-born piglets produced statistically significant effect in some of the parameters studied. However, as these effects were only minor, we did not find grounds to recommend preventive antibiotic treatment. Further, continuous antimicrobial treatment of newborn piglets could negatively influence the development of the normal microbiota of the piglet and promote selection of antimicrobial resistance genes in herds. Therefore we suggest rejection of the use of routine administration of antimicrobial agents at birth.

Safety and Immunogenicity of the Recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG Vaccine VPM1002 in HIV-Unexposed Newborn Infants in South Africa

Tuberculosis is a global threat to which infants are especially vulnerable. Effective vaccines are required to protect infants from this devastating disease. VPM1002, a novel recombinant Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine previously shown to be safe and immunogenic in adults, was evaluated for safety in its intended target population, namely, newborn infants in a region with high prevalence of tuberculosis. A total of 48 newborns were vaccinated intradermally with VPM1002 (n = 36) or BCG Danish strain (n = 12) in a phase II open-labeled, randomized trial with a 6-month follow-up period. Clinical and laboratory measures of safety were evaluated during this time. In addition, vaccine-induced immune responses to mycobacteria were analyzed in whole-blood stimulation and proliferation assays. The safety parameters and immunogenicity were comparable in the two groups. Both vaccines induced interleukin-17 (IL-17) responses; however, VPM1002 vaccination led to an increase of CD8+ IL-17+ T cells at the week 16 and month 6 time points. The incidence of abscess formation was lower for VPM1002 than for BCG. We conclude that VPM1002 is a safe, well-tolerated, and immunogenic vaccine in newborn infants, confirming results from previous trials in adults. These results strongly support further evaluation of the safety and efficacy of this vaccination in larger studies. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01479972.).

Invasive Systemic Infection After Hospital Treatment for Diabetic Foot Ulcer: Risk of Occurrence and Effect on Survival

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) threaten limbs and prompt hospitalization. After hospitalization, remote-site invasive systemic infection related to DFU (DFU-ISI) may occur. The characteristics of DFU-ISIs and their effect on mortality risk have not been defined.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 819 diabetic patients hospitalized for treatment of 1212 unique DFUs during a 9-year period. We defined the index ulcer as that present at the first (index) DFU admission to our hospital. We defined DFU-ISI as a nonfoot infection that occurred after the index hospitalization and was caused by a microorganism concomitantly or previously cultured from the index ulcer. We determined the frequency, risk factors, and mortality risk associated with DFU-ISIs.

RESULTS

After 1212 index DFU hospitalizations, 141 patients had 172 DFU-ISIs. Of the initial 141 DFU-ISIs, 64% were bacteremia, 13% deep abscesses, 10% pneumonia, 7% endocarditis, and 6% skeletal infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) caused 57% of the ISIs. Patients with initial DFU cultures yielding MRSA and protracted open ulcers had a high 24-month cumulative probability of DFU-ISI (31%) and all-cause mortality rate (13%). Analysis with Cox regression modeling showed that complicated ulcer healing (hazard ratio, 3.812; 95% confidence interval, 2.434-5.971) and initial DFU culture yielding MRSA (2.030; 1.452-2.838) predicted DFU-ISIs and that DFU-ISIs were associated with increased mortality risk (1.987; 1.106-3.568).

CONCLUSIONS

DFU-ISIs are important late complications of DFUs. Prevention of DFU-ISIs should be studied prospectively. Meanwhile, clinicians should aggressively incorporate treatment to accelerate ulcer healing and address MRSA into the care of diabetic patients with foot ulcers.

[Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Deep Neck Abscesses]

Pediatric deep neck abscesses are a relatively rare and can lead to critical or life-threatening situations. However, the clinical characteristics of pediatric deep neck abscesses are not fully understood in Japan. We conducted a retrospective study of the clinical characteristics of children presenting with pediatric deep neck abscesses at our hospital. All pediatric patients were diagnosed with deep neck abscesses on the basis of the clinical findings and computed tomography (CT) scanning of the neck between April 2009 and March 2014. The incidence, initial examining department, sex, age, presenting signs and symptoms, physical findings, duration between onset and admission, timing of CT scanning, abscess location, causative organism, and method of treatment were determined from the medical records. 　We identified a total of 20 pediatric patients with deep neck abscesses, with a mean incidence of 4.0±1.9 cases per year. Pediatric deep neck abscesses were more common during winter and spring. Most patients initially presented to the pediatric department before consulting an otolaryngologist. Fourteen (70%) patients were male and six (30%) were female, with no obvious peak age of onset. The mean duration between onset and admission was 7.2±3.9 days. The mean timing of CT scanning was 8.1±3.6 days after onset. The most commonly involved area was the retropharyngeal space in nine (45%) and the retro-cervical space in eight (40%) patients. The most frequent causative organism was Staphylococcus aureus (20%), with no cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria infection observed. Majority of the children were initially managed with conservative treatment. Five patients who failed to improve within 48 h of treatment subsequently underwent surgical drainage. No significant complications such as descending mediastinitis and septic shock were observed in any of the patients.

Infectious Diseases Perspective of Anorectal Abscess and Fistula-in-ano Disease

BACKGROUND

Anorectal abscess and fistula-in-ano is a rare disease with an exemplary prognosis. Most patients are diagnosed with cryptoglandular disease but unusual infections raise difficult antimicrobial management challenges.

METHODS

All primary references identified in PubMed, EMBASE, the ISI Web of Knowledge database and the Cochrane Library, published between 1960 and 2015, using the keywords "anorectal abscess," "fistula-in-ano," "perianal abscess," or "perianal fistula" or all, were uploaded into a database. The databases were also interrogated using keywords specific for each infection type studied.

RESULTS

In all, 52 relevant primary medical publications were identified. There were also 4 relevant organizational standards guideline publications, 1 relevant review and 4 historical publications about the diagnosis and outcomes of anorectal abscess and fistula-in-ano with data derived primarily from prospective and retrospective trials as well as institutional case series to provide an evidence level opinion. The use of antimicrobial therapy in combination with surgical incision and drainage in the treatment of cryptoglandular disease has failed to improved healing times or reduce recurrences or both. Based on limited data, routine antimicrobial therapy may benefit patients with significant comorbid conditions, extensive cellulitis and systemic symptoms. For patients with unusual infecting pathogens (eg, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Actinomyces species and Chlamydia species) outcomes are favorable with selected antimicrobial therapy agents of various durations.

CONCLUSION

Surgical incision and drainage is the main treatment for anorectal abscess and fistula-in-ano, but a select group of patients with unusual infections benefit from tailored prolonged antimicrobial therapy with the overall recurrence rate remaining low.

Splenectomy and risk of renal and perinephric abscesses: A population-based cohort study in Taiwan

Little epidemiological research is available on the relationship between splenectomy and renal and perinephric abscesses. The purpose of the study was to examine this issue in Taiwan.We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using the hospitalization dataset of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program. A total of 16,426 participants aged 20 and older who were newly diagnosed with splenectomy from 1998 to 2010 were assigned to the splenectomy group, whereas 65,653 sex-matched, age-matched, and comorbidity-matched, randomly selected participants without splenectomy were assigned to the nonsplenectomy group. The incidence of renal and perinephric abscesses at the end of 2011 was measured in both groups. The multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to measure the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for risk of renal and perinephric abscesses associated with splenectomy and other comorbidities including cystic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infection, and urolithiasis.The overall incidence rate of renal and perinephric abscesses was 2.14-fold greater in the splenectomy group than that in the nonsplenectomy group (2.24 per 10,000 person-years vs 1.05 per 10,000 person-years, 95% CI 2.02, 2.28). After controlling for sex, age, cystic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infection, and urolithiasis, the multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that the adjusted HR of renal and perinephric abscesses was 2.24 for the splenectomy group (95 % CI 1.30, 3.88), when compared with the nonsplenectomy group. In further analysis, the adjusted HR markedly increased to 7.69 for those comorbid with splenectomy and diabetes mellitus (95% CI 3.31, 17.9).Splenectomy is associated with renal and perinephric abscesses, particularly comorbid with diabetes mellitus. In view of its potential morbidity and mortality, clinicians should consider the possibility of renal and perinephric abscesses when patients with splenectomy present with fever of unknown origin.

Increased incidence of head and neck abscesses in children

Objective

To describe increasing incidence and changing microbiology of head and neck abscesses in children admitted to the hospital during the first quarters of 2000 through 2003.

Study Design and Setting

Retrospective data warehouse review identified 89 children less than 19 years of age admitted to a tertiary care pediatric hospital during the first quarters of 2000 through 2003 for suspicion of head and neck abscess involving the neck, face, and peritonsillar, retropharyngeal, and parapharyngeal spaces; and for orbital and intracranial complications of acute sinusitis.

Outcome Measures

Outcome measures included the incidence of infection admissions and description of infection location and microbiology, calculated by χ2 technique.

Results

The incidence of infections increased in 2003. The greatest increase was in neck abscesses and complications of acute sinusitis.

Conclusions

The increase in group A strep infections may be related to its biologic properties.

Significance

Group A strep remains a significant cause of head and neck infections in children.

Deep neck infection in diabetic patients: Comparison of clinical picture and outcomes with nondiabetic patients

OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference in the clinical picture and outcomes between diabetic and nondiabetic patients with deep neck infections.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who were diagnosed with deep neck infections and who received treatment at the Department of Otolaryngology of National Taiwan University Hospital between 1997 and 2002. One hundred eighty-five patients were included in our study. Fifty-six patients with diabetes mellitus were enrolled for further analysis (diabetic group) and compared with the other 129 patients without diabetes mellitus (nondiabetic group) in demography, etiology, bacteriology, treatment, duration of hospital stay, complications, and outcome.

RESULTS: The parapharyngeal space was the space most commonly involved in both the diabetic (33.9%) and nondiabetic groups (40.3%). Odontogenic infections and upper airway infections were the 2 leading causes of deep neck infection in diabetic and nondiabetic groups. Streptococcus viridans is the most commonly isolated organism in the nondiabetic group (43.7%). However, the most common organism in the diabetic group was Klebsiella pneumoniae (56.1%). There were 89.3% of diabetic patients, versus 71.3% of nondiabetic patients, with abscess formation ( P = 0.0136). Surgical drainage was performed more frequently in the diabetic group than in the nondiabetic group (86.0% versus 65.2%, P = 0.0142). In comparison with the nondiabetic group, the diabetic group tended to have older mean age (57.2 y versus 46.2 y, P = 0.0007), longer duration of hospital stay (19.7 days versus 10.2 days, P >0.0001), more frequent complications (33.9% versus 8.5%, P >0.0001), and more frequent tracheostomy or intubation (19.6% versus 6.2%, P = 0.0123).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diabetes mellitus are susceptible to deep neck infection. We should pay more attention when dealing with deep neck infections in patients with diabetes mellitus because those patients tend to have complications more frequently and a longer duration of hospital stay. Empirical antibiotics should cover K. pneumoniae in patients with deep neck infection who have diabetes mellitus.

High rate of common bile duct stones and postoperative abscess following percutaneous cholecystostomy

INTRODUCTION

The short and long-term outcomes in patients managed with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PCY) at a single institution are described.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted for patients treated between February 2000 and November 2012. Patient charts, imaging and biochemical data were reviewed. Patient demographics, presenting clinical features and treatment variables were noted. Outcome variables were length of admission, 30-day mortality, 30-day unplanned readmission, tube dislodgement, abscess formation, subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and surgery, complications after surgery and median overall survival.

RESULTS

PCY was performed for 55 patients for acute cholecystitis where surgical risk was very high. The 30-day readmission rate was 20% (n=11), the 30-day mortality rate was 9% (n=5) and median survival was 59 months (95% confidence interval: 30-88 months). The median follow-up duration was 68 months. Tubes were dislodged in 15 patients (27%) and an abscess occurred after PCY in 5 patients (9%). Subsequent endoscopic common bile duct stone extraction was required in 20 patients (36%). Cholecystectomy was planned in 22 patients and an abscess occurred following the cholecystectomy in 5 (23%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although a PCY is lifesaving, significant morbidity can arise during recovery. This study demonstrates a high rate of choledocholithiasis (44%), tube dislodgement (27%) and postoperative abscess (23%) compared with previous reports.

Time trends and determinants of acute odontogenic maxillofacial infections in Lithuania: a retrospective national 2009-2013 treatment data audit

OBJECTIVES

To examine the distribution of treatment facilities accepting patients with acute odontogenic maxillofacial infections (AOMIs), time trends in incidence and relate these infections with a number of determinants.

METHODS

A national Lithuanian retrospective study gathered data on all patients treated in outpatient/inpatient treatment facilities. Adjusted Incidence Ratios (AIRs) of AOMIs were calculated separately for each type of infection and for each year. Administrative districts (ADs) were grouped into low, medium, and high thirds based on the regional determinants: socio-economic index (R-SEI), access to basic (R-BDCI) or specialized dental care (R-SDCI) and index of systemic diseases (R-ISD).

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant geographical differences in the distribution of TFs providing care for patients with AOMIs. Numbers of treatment facilities consistently increased from 2009 to 2013, but there was no consistent increase/decrease in the incidence of AOMIs (-1%). Regions with the highest R-SEI tended to have a higher incidence of AOMIs as compared to regions with medium or low R-SEI. When controlled for other determinants, lower R-BDCI/R-SDCI scores were associated with a higher incidence of AOMIs.

CONCLUSIONS

High annual incidences (-1% of a total population) were diagnosed and treated for AOMIs, but there was no consistent time trend for these infections.

Risk of Injection-Site Abscess among Infants Receiving a Preservative-Free, Two-Dose Vial Formulation of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Kenya

There is a theoretical risk of adverse events following immunization with a preservative-free, 2-dose vial formulation of 10-valent-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10). We set out to measure this risk. Four population-based surveillance sites in Kenya (total annual birth cohort of 11,500 infants) were used to conduct a 2-year post-introduction vaccine safety study of PCV10. Injection-site abscesses occurring within 7 days following vaccine administration were clinically diagnosed in all study sites (passive facility-based surveillance) and, also, detected by caregiver-reported symptoms of swelling plus discharge in two sites (active household-based surveillance). Abscess risk was expressed as the number of abscesses per 100,000 injections and was compared for the second vs first vial dose of PCV10 and for PCV10 vs pentavalent vaccine (comparator). A total of 58,288 PCV10 injections were recorded, including 24,054 and 19,702 identified as first and second vial doses, respectively (14,532 unknown vial dose). The risk ratio for abscess following injection with the second (41 per 100,000) vs first (33 per 100,000) vial dose of PCV10 was 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37–4.06). The comparator vaccine was changed from a 2-dose to 10-dose presentation midway through the study. The matched odds ratios for abscess following PCV10 were 1.00 (95% CI 0.12–8.56) and 0.27 (95% CI 0.14–0.54) when compared to the 2-dose and 10-dose pentavalent vaccine presentations, respectively. In Kenya immunization with PCV10 was not associated with an increased risk of injection site abscess, providing confidence that the vaccine may be safely used in Africa. The relatively higher risk of abscess following the 10-dose presentation of pentavalent vaccine merits further study.

Does access to general dental treatment affect the number and complexity of patients presenting to the acute hospital service with severe dentofacial infections?

AIM

This is a retrospective study to review the treatment and management of patients presenting with odontogenic infections in a large urban teaching hospital over a four-year period, comparing the number and complexity of odontogenic infections presenting to an acute general hospital in two periods, as follows: Group A (January 2008 to March 2010) versus Group B (April 2010 to December 2011). The background to the study is 'An alteration in patient access to primary dental care instituted by the Department of Health in April 2010'.

OBJECTIVES

a) to identify any alteration in the pattern and complexity of patients' presentation with odontogenic infections following recent changes in access to treatment via the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) and the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme (DTBS) in April 2010; and, b) to evaluate the management of severe odontogenic infections.

METHOD

Data was collated by a combination of a comprehensive chart review and electronic patient record analysis based on the primary discharge diagnosis as recorded in the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) system.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were admitted to the National Maxillofacial Unit, St James's Hospital, under the oral and maxillofacial service over a four-year period, with an odontogenic infection as the primary diagnosis. There was an increased number of patients presenting with odontogenic infections during Group B of the study. These patients showed an increased complexity and severity of infection. Although there was an upward trend in the numbers and complexity of infections, this trending did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

The primary cause of infection was dental caries in all patients. Dental caries is a preventable and treatable disease. Increased resources should be made available to support access to dental care, and thereby lessen the potential for the morbidity and mortality associated with serious odontogenic infections. The study at present continues as a prospective study.

Lipoabdominoplasty without drains or progressive tension sutures: an analysis of 100 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

Subcutaneous surgical drains are commonly used in abdominoplasties to prevent seromas but are not tolerated well by patients and add additional discomfort after the procedure. The lipoabdominoplasty modification may create a more favorable surgical field to reduce the need for surgical drains without increasing seroma formation.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this review was to determine if surgical drains can be completely eliminated in lipoabdominoplasty procedures without an increased risk of seromas.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of 100 consecutive standard, extended, and circumferential lipoabdominoplasty patients done by a single surgeon with at least a 3-month follow-up period.

RESULTS

Seroma was identified in 5% of patients, hematoma and abscess each in 2% of patients, and granuloma, cellulitis, and delayed wound healing each in 1% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of discontinuous undermining with liposuction, limited direct undermining in the midline, preservation of a thin layer of fibrofatty tissue on the superficial abdominal wall fascia, and targeted surgical site compression can eliminate the need for surgical drains without increasing seroma rates.