Analysis of the prevalence of dental origin of deep neck infections

Objective The objective of the study is to know the incidence of dental cause of deep neck infections (DNI) through systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Methods systematic review on PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library Plus with strategy (((deep neck) OR (parapharyngeal [All Fields] AND (‘abscess’ [MeSH Terms] OR ‘abscess’ [All Fields]))) AND (((‘microbiology’[Subheading] OR ‘microbiology’[All Fields] OR ‘microbiology'[MeSH Terms]))). It was estimated the proportion of cases of dental origin according to models of random effects, the heterogeneity through inspection of the forest-plot and estimate of I2 and publication by the LFK index and diagram bias weighted funnel-plot. Results We selected 19 (3091 patients with DNI) studies that estimated dental origin in 1380 (pooled prevalence: 36%;) (95% CI 24%–49%). The heterogeneity of the studies is high and statistically significant (I2 = 98.03%, 95% CI 97.57% 98,40%; Cochran’s Q = 912,83). There were no graphical or statistical signs of publication bias (LFK index = −1.09). Conclusions Relationship between dental origin and variables as the affected areas, the microorganisms isolated or complications cannot be drawn. It is necessary to perform new studies with better records of data related to DNI, systematizing the criteria for diagnosis and localization of infection.