Deep Neck Space Infections in Northern Ghana

Background: Deep neck space infections (DNSI) continue to pose a challenge due to its potentially lethal complications that can arise despite the reduced prevalence as a result of widespread antibiotic use and improved dental care. We conducted a review of our experience with DNSI at the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Unit, Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).

Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized with a diagnosis DNSI at the ENT Unit, TTH from January 2013 to June 2020. Parameters analyzed included the age and sex distribution of patients, source of infection, sites involved, duration of admission and outcomes. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0 (Chicago, IBM 2010).

Results: The study involved 135 cases of DNSIs with age range of 5 months to 76 years (35.7± 19.0 years). Majority of the DNSIs cases occurred within the third decade of life and slightly more common among males (50.4%). The duration of hospital stays ranged from a day to 41 days (10.1± 8.2 days). Multi-space abscesses were the most common diagnosed DNSIs with odontogenic infections (63%) being the most common source of DNSIs. Majority (83.7%) of the patients were successfully treated with a mortality rate of 12.6%.

Conclusion: DNSIs was most common among males with patients in their third decade most affected. Odontogenic infections were the most common source of DNSI with multi-space abscesses being the most common presentation. Majority of the patients were treated successfully.