Epidemiologic evaluation of maxillofacial infections and their risk factors and associated complications in a one year period in Shariati hospital in 2013-2014

Abstract

Purpose: Maxillofacial infections (MIs) commonly occur in patients of all ages, representing a life-threatening challenge when reaching deep facial spaces. The epidemiologic studies of MIs and their characteristics are very important and beneficial for both patients and clinicians. Therefore, the aim of this prospective study was to determine the annual incidence, etiology, risk factors and complications of MIs in all patients who were admitted to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery of the Shariati hospital during a 1-year period.

Material and methods: The demographic data, levels of some serum markers on day of admission, such aserythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), bandemia, serum albumin, predisposing factors for each patient referred for treatment of MI were recorded by one researcher in November 2013 to November 2014. The linear regression test was used to evaluate whether there was a relationship between the amount of changes in ESR, CRP and albumin levels and age of the patients, pregnancy, gender and severity of infection. Panoramic radiography as well as axial and coronal CT scans with soft tissue window were performed for all cases, except pregnant participants. The origin of MIs, including odontogenic, pathologic and foreign body, was identified for each patient.

Results:During the study period, a total of 157 patients (87 female, 70 male), with an age range of 3 to 74 years (mean, 23.5±13.2 years), were admitted to the department of maxillofacial surgery. Regardless of the gender, the most frequent cause of MIs was odontogenic sources (128 cases, 81.5%). The most common affected area was the buccal space with 106 positive cases (67.5%). The most common teeth responsible for maxillofacial fascial space infection were mandibular third molars. A positive association was found between CRP and ESR levels and the severity of infections. Serum albumin and ESR levels were significantly reduced and increased in the patients with severe infection and pregnant patients, respectively.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that odontogenic origins were the main cause of MIs and the most common involved space was the buccal space. Diabetes mellitus was the most commonly found systemic disease among the participants of this study. The findings of this study suggest that dentists should consider that the most appropriate treatment of odontogenic infections involves surgical intervention and selection of a suitable antibiotic as an adjunct.