Analysis of Clinical Symptoms and Biochemical Parameters in Odontogenic Cellulitis of the Head and Neck Region in Children

Abstract

Many cases of cellulitis in the head and neck region among hospitalized pediatric patients are related to odontogenic infections. C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR), D-dimer, and prealbumin can be used to assess the severity of odontogenic inflammation. The aim of the study is to evaluate the biochemical parameters as a predictor factor of the severity of odontogenic cellulitis in children. This study was conducted from 2020 to 2021 on patients admitted to the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology and Pediatric Head and Neck Surgery of the Upper Silesian Children’s Health Center in Katowice. We included 40 patients aged 2–16 in the study, who were divided into two groups: research (SS-Study subject) (n = 20) and control (CS-Control subject) (n = 20). The patients underwent an interview and physical examination to assess the presence of intraoral and extraoral swelling and the presence of trismus. The patients who qualified for the study had blood taken to determine the level of CRP, WBCs, NLR, D-dimers, and prealbumin. Differences in biochemical test results in the SS and CS were statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the SS group, the mean values of biochemical parameters exceeded the clinical norm. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between CRP and extraoral swelling. The NLR correlates significantly with extraoral swelling and the length of hospitalization. D-dimer statistically correlated with trismus, extraoral swelling, and the number of anatomical spaces involved. The NLR and CRP ratio can be considered a prognostic marker of the course of infection and hospitalization time.

Facial Cellulitis of Unusual Odontogenic Origin

“…Pericoronitis can be complicated by acute cellulitis threatening the oropharyngeal junction and the freedom of the airways. The teeth of the anterior sectors are also affected, which can result in the following conditions: upper genital cellulitis circumscribed in canine palatal inclusions following untreated or poorly treated peri-coronary disease, thrombophlebitis of the facial vein which leads to thrombosis of the cavernous sinus, maxillary sinusitis in the event of an impaction, high ectopy or in the maxillary sinus, osteitis, and eye disorders [11,[13][14][15][16].…”

Analysis of the Clinical Status and Treatment of Facial Cellulitis of Odontogenic Origin in Pediatric Patients

“…Additionally, Donn et al in their study confirmed the presence of elevated CRP and WBC in all types of odontogenic abscesses [ 16 ]. In a previous analysis we assessed a statistically significant positive relationship between CRP and extraoral swelling as well as the NLR correlates significantly with extraoral swelling and the length of hospitalization [ 23 ]…”

Saliva-Based Protein Analysis in Pediatric Dentofacial Inflammation

“…In the control group, teeth with uncomplicated caries were determined. 1 Parents and older children have explained the purpose of saliva collection.…”

“…This condition often results from untreated dental caries, abscesses, or periodontal disease. 1,2 Immediate dental and medical attention is crucial to prevent the infection from spreading and causing more serious health complications. 3 Anatomical differences that significantly impact the course of inflammatory processes in the facial tissues of the skull in children are associated with a lower degree of jaw bone calcification, the presence of wide marrow spaces with a well-developed vascular system, the presence of tooth buds, as well as the existence of a slit-like, undeveloped maxillary sinus and a greater amount of cancellous bone.…”