Predisposing factors of life-threatening deep neck infection: logistic regression analysis of 214 cases.

Objective: In the era of antibiotics, most deep neck infections can be cured by conservative treatment, but some still result in life-threatening complications. In this study, we discuss whether or not there are predisposing factors of complicated deep neck infection.
Design: A retrospective chart review of patients presenting between 1988 and 1996 was conducted.
Method: Among 214 deep neck infection patients, 18 cases resulted in lethal complications. We used the "dummy" variable with logistic regression as the statistical analysis method.
Results: Patients with an underlying disease, neck swelling, and delay time had a positive correlation that was statistically significance (p < .05). Patients who were older, male, with complete blood count/differential count-positive finding and fever had positive correlation, but this was not statistically significant (p > .05).
Conclusion: Although complicated deep neck infection is a rapidly progressive disease with a high mortality, we can not thoroughly predict the prognosis or avoid it happening completely. But, if we can detect and pay more attention to the high-risk group of patients with use of aggressive therapy, the incidence of complicated deep neck infection may be reduced.