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Children's deep neck infections in central Taiwan.

BACKGROUND
Deep neck infection (DNI) is an uncommon but severe disease in children. Few study have been reported detailing pediatric deep neck infection.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of 52 cases of deep neck infection at Changhua Christian Hospital over a 10-year period was performed.


RESULTS
Thirty-two boys and 20 girls ranged from one month to eighteen years old were collected in the study. The most remarked symptom was neck swelling (83%). There were 48% (23/48) in right side. Two cases (3.8%) yielded a positive blood culture and fifty-three (53%) cases had positive pus culture. The most common pathogen was Streptococcus viridians (33%). There were two cases oxacillin-resistant Staphylococus aureus.


CONCLUSIONS
Once a patient exhibited neck swelling, neck pain, fever and signs of airway obstruction, deep neck infection should be considered. When one was highly suspected to have deep neck infection, computed tomography of neck should be arranged for differential diagnosis.