Acute retropharyngeal abscess in children: the Kano experince

Background: Infection within the retropharyngeal space could progress on to an abscess formation. Retropharyngeal abscess can be a life- threatening emergency, with potential for airway obstruction. Aim: This review was aimed at highlighting the features and management of the patients. Methods: This was a retrospective study of all children admitted with diagnosis of acute retropharyngeal abscess over seven- year period (January 1998 to December 2004). The case notes of the patients were reviewed and information extracted were age, sex, duration and nature of symptoms, bacteriological findings, surgical procedures, complications and duration of hospitalization. Results: There were thirty-two patients. Eighteen (56.2%) were males and 14(43.8%) females. The median age was 65 months. Twenty-five (78.1%) were below 5 years of age. The major complaints were fever (93.5%), respiratory distress (90.6%), cough (87.5%), and neck pain/swelling (81.2%.). Hyperextension of the neck was evident in 18(56.3%) and bulging of the posterior pharyngeal wall in 20(62.5%). All the patients had surgical drainage of the abscess. Twenty-nine (90.6%) had intra-oral, drainage while 3(9.4%) had the abscess drained by external (cervical) incision. The mean duration of hospital admission was 10.4 days. Conclusion: The treatment of retropharyngeal abscess should be prompt empirical usage of broad spectrum antibiotics and timely surgical drainage. Keywords: children, retropharyngeal abscess, incision and drainage, Kano Nigerian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Vol. 3(1) 2006: 21-2