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-threat ening complications. In this study, we discuss whether or not there ar e predisposing factors of complicated deep neck infection. Design: A r etrospective chart review of patients presenting between 1988 and 1996 was conducted. Method: Among 214 deep neck infection patients, 18 cas es resulted in lethal complications. We used the ''dummy'' variable wi th logistic regression as the statistical analysis method. Results: Pa tients with an underlying disease, neck swelling, and delay time had a positive correlation that was statistically significance (p < .05). P atients who were older, male, with complete blood count/differential c ount-positive finding and fever had positive correlation, but this was not statistically significant (p > .05). Conclusion: Although complic ated deep neck infection is a rapidly progressive disease with a high mortality, we can not thoroughly predict the prognosis or avoid it hap pening completely. But, if we can detect and pay more attention to the highrisk group of patients with use of aggressive therapy, the incide nce of complicated deep neck infection may be reduced.