Pediatric Peritonsillar Abscess Research Articles

Impact of the COVID-19 era on clinical presentation, management and microbiology in paediatric peritonsillar abscess: A case-control study.

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common soft-tissue infection of the head and neck. This potential complication of tonsillitis has demonstrated unique microbial trends during the COVID-19 pandemic. This era has resulted in a major shift in the hygiene and social habits of the general population, which has resulted in changes in the presentation, management and microbiology of several infectious diseases. To date, the impact of COVID 19 on PTA microbiology and clinical presentation in the paediatric population has yet to be investigated. Retrospective chart review comparing all cases of paediatric (age 0-18) PTA in an academic tertiary centre during the COVID-19 pandemic (03/2020-02/2022) and compared them to two control groups: pre-COVID (03/2018-02/2020) and post-COVID (03/2022-03/2023). All patients were treated with either needle aspiration, incision and drainage or both means in addition to intravenous antibiotics. A large Ear Nose and Throat department in a tertiary referral center. Consecutive children aged 18 years or under, admitted with a diagnosis of Peritonsillar abscess. We analyzed the clinical and microbiologcal features of all cases of pediatric peritonsillar abscess during the COVID-19 era (03/2020-02/2022) and compared them to a pre and post control cases. A total of 96 PTA cases were included (35 pre-COVID, 35 COVID and 26 post-COVID). The means of procedural treatment shifted in favour of incision and drainage versus needle aspiration during the COVID era. The length of hospitalisation increased during the COVID era (3.6 days vs. 2.1 and 3.1 pre and post-COVID respectively, p < .001). No other notable differences in the clinical and demographic features were found between the three eras. The COVID-19 era saw an increase in Fusobacterium (37.1% vs. 8.6% and 24% pre and post-COVID, respectively; p = .008) and Streptococcus Anginosus (31.4% vs. 5.7% and 7.7% pre and post-COVID, respectively; p = .007) species isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic did not seem to impact the clinical presentation of paediatric PTA yet resulted in a change in microbiological pathogens. The choice of I&D as a means to shorten hospital stay during the pandemic may have led to an actual increase in hospital stay, suggesting that NA may be the preferred management approach.

Use of CEUS for Imaging Evaluation of Pediatric Peritonsillar Abscess.

Peritonsillar abscess can be diagnosed by B-mode ultrasound and cross-sectional imaging. The latter (with MRI being the modality of first choice in children) is associated with higher effort and risk for pediatric patients due to the administration of X-rays and/or the need of sedation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the introduction of CEUS into the diagnostic algorithm for suspected pediatric peritonsillar abscess is suitable and advantageous. Single-institution retrospective review of data of pediatric patients who were presented to the department of pediatric radiology for sonographic evaluation under the suspicion of peritonsillar abscess. Diagnostic performance of CEUS was evaluated by using surgical exploration or clinical follow-up as the reference standard. 284 children included in the study underwent B-mode ultrasound. Mean age of all patients was 6,23 years. Peritonsillar abscess was the diagnosis in 42 patients. Diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess was made by B-mode ultrasound alone in 13 of 42 patients (31 %). In 17 of 42 patients (40 %), diagnosis was made by a combination of B-mode ultrasound and CEUS. Sensitivity rose from 37 % to 86 % in cases where B-mode ultrasound remained unclear and CEUS was used. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is suitable and efficient for the diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess in pediatric patients. It increases the sensitivity for the diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess and thereby reduces the need of additional cross-sectional imaging for the pediatric patients.

Trends in the management of peritonsillar abscess in children: A nationwide population-based study in Taiwan

ObjectivePopulation-based studies analyzing peritonsillar abscess in children are lacking. In this study, a population-based survey of the epidemiology of pediatric peritonsillar abscess in Taiwan was conducted. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. All cases of inpatient pediatric peritonsillar abscess (age < 18 years) in Taiwan between 2000 and 2012 were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification. Incidence rates of inpatient peritonsillar abscess in children were calculated. Characteristics such as age, gender, hospital level, treatment modalities, imaging studies, drug administration, and length of hospital stays during the study period were analyzed. ResultsA total of 12,965 children with peritonsillar abscess were included (mean age, 6.6 years [standard deviation, 4.8 years]; 56.5% boys). The overall incidence was 18 per 100,000 children. Incidence rates decreased from 2000 to 2012 (19.1/100,000 to 8.3/100,000 children) (ptrend < 0.001). During the study period, the proportion of peritonsillar abscess treatments at medical centers increased from 4.6% to 15.0%. The proportion of treatments involving incision and drainage or needle aspiration increased significantly (1.3%–4.1% and 49.4%–65.6%, respectively), whereas treatments with antibiotics only decreased significantly (48.9%–29.0%). The use of computed tomography (CT) increased (1.4%–12%, ptrend < 0.001). The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and penicillin increased during the study period. The mean length of hospital stays increased from 3.78 to 4.67 days. ConclusionsThe incidence of peritonsillar abscess in children decreased between 2000 and 2012 in Taiwan. Moreover, increasing trends were observed in the use of CT, the rates of incision and drainage and needle aspiration procedures, and the length of hospital stay in this study cohort.

Comparison of inpatient versus outpatient management of pediatric peritonsillar abscess outcomes

IntroductionPeritonsillar abscess (PTA) in pediatric patients is a challenging condition to diagnose and treat, and recurrence can occur in up to 15% of patients. This condition can be managed in various settings and there may be outcome differences depending on the choice of inpatient/outpatient management. The objective of this study was to evaluate immediate and long-term outcomes, specifically recurrence, after PTA management in the inpatient versus outpatient setting as well as specific patient characteristics leading to hospital management decisions. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of all suspected cases of PTA seen at a tertiary pediatric hospital from 2008 to 2017, and 566 confirmed cases of PTA were included in this study. Demographics, PTA management, recurrence, and subsequent tonsillectomy (immediate or within 1 year of diagnosis) were ascertained from patient medical records. We compared characteristics of patients seen in the inpatient and outpatient setting using Chi-squared and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests. ResultsPatients treated in the outpatient setting were more likely to be older and have a lower rate of recurrent ear infections (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.01 respectively). Additionally, no differences in gender, Down Syndrome, or autism were found. Patients who were admitted were more likely to undergo immediate tonsillectomy within a month or tonsillectomy within one year (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.02 respectively), whereas patients in the outpatient setting were more likely to receive antibiotics alone (p < 0.0001). Outpatient management was associated with no differences in recurrence rate within 30 days (p = 0.56). However, recurrence was associated with older age, a history of recurrent tonsillitis, but not a history of ear infections (p = 0.005, p < 0.0001, and p = 0.49 respectively). A history of recurrent ear infections, recurrent tonsillitis and recurrent PTAs were associated with the decision to pursue a tonsillectomy (p = 0.003, p = 0.03, and p < 0.0001 respectively). ConclusionsPatients seen in the outpatient setting are more likely to receive antibiotics alone as their initial treatment, likely a result of certain clinical characteristics and presenting features as well as uncertain diagnosis. Inpatient status was associated with a younger age and a history of ear infections while recurrence was associated with a history of recurrent tonsillitis and older age. The recurrence rates for outpatient management were not statistically different than inpatient, suggesting that triaging and treatment of patients was occurring appropriately. The association of tonsillectomies in the inpatient group within 12 months is likely due to the higher rate of preexisting tonsil issues considering that recurrent tonsillitis, ear infections and a higher rate of PTA recurrence were all statistically correlated.

Utilization of emergency department computed tomography and otolaryngology consultation in the diagnosis of pediatric peritonsillar abscess

ObjectivesTo determine whether obtaining a computed tomography (CT) scan in the emergency department (ED) is predictive of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) in the pediatric population, and to evaluate for clinical characteristics that may suggest whether a CT is beneficial in the diagnosis of pediatric PTA. MethodsSingle-institution retrospective chart review at Rush University Hospitals. Study included pediatric patients, aged 17 or younger, who presented to the ED with suspected PTA over a 6-year period. Patients received a neck CT and/or an official otolaryngology consultation. Relevant demographic and study parameters were collected and statistically analyzed using SPSS. ResultsA total of 36 pediatric patients with suspected PTA. Of these, 47.2% (17/36) received a diagnosis of PTA while 52.8% (19/36) received an alternative diagnosis. Patients with PTA were more likely to have trismus (41.2% vs 5.3%; p < .01), uvular deviation (94.1% vs 15.8%; p < .01), and palatal edema (52.9% vs 10.5%; p < .01), compared to patients without PTA. Fewer CT scans were ordered when comparing PTA positive versus negative cohorts (35% vs 63.2%; p = .10), however this was not statistically significant. An otolaryngology consult prior to imaging did significantly reduce the frequency of ordered CT scans (12.5% vs 63.6%; p < .01). ConclusionThis is the first study to investigate the benefit of CT imaging in the diagnosis of pediatric PTA and impact of an otolaryngology consult on the frequency of CT scans. Pediatric patients at high risk for PTA based on clinical findings may not require CT imaging for diagnosis. Patients at lower risk may benefit from imaging based on the availability of an otolaryngology consult or expertise of the examiner.

Establishing the Need for an Evidence-Based Treatment Algorithm for Peritonsillar Abscess in Children.

In this retrospective case series, we report clinical factors associated with pediatric peritonsillar abscess (PTA), with hopes of contributing to the design of an evidenced-based, economic treatment approach. Charts were examined for presenting symptoms and signs. Each of these were analyzed for association with the presence of PTA and for association with treatment. We found that, with the exception of leukocytosis, the signs/symptoms that prompted treatment correlate with those that indicate the presence of PTA. However, there are several signs/symptoms, namely, referred otalgia, cervical lymphadenopathy, and decreased oral intake, that were associated with PTA but unassociated with treatment. Treatment can be aided by establishing an algorithm that accounts for the symptoms/signs most correlated with true, drainable abscess.

Pediatric peritonsillar abscess: Outcomes and cost savings from using transcervical ultrasound.

1) To analyze clinical outcomes of children stratified by ultrasound into three diagnoses: acute tonsillitis, peritonsillar phlegmon, and abscess; and 2) To compare clinical outcomes and financial impact between children who underwent ultrasound protocol to those who did not. Retrospective analysis between two cohorts: ultrasound protocol group and control group. Children with peritonsillar abscess (PTA) diagnosed in the emergency department (ED) were enrolled during a 2-year period for transcervical ultrasound evaluation of bilateral tonsillar fossae. Data from a cohort of patients with PTA prior to ultrasound screening were also collected from retrospective chart review. Outcome variables were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Seventy-eight children (mean 12.3 years) were enrolled in the ultrasound protocol, compared to 101 children (mean 13.6 years) evaluated using traditional methods of examination and/or computed tomography (CT) imaging. Demographics between the two groups were not significantly different. Only one-third of patients presumed to have PTA by ED staff had ultrasound findings consistent with abscess. Overall treatment failure rate was 8%, requiring readmission or surgical intervention for abscess. Length of stay, surgical drainage, and radiation exposure from CT scans were reduced significantly in the ultrasound group (P < 0.006). Differences in readmission rates and mean charges between the two groups did not reach significance. Peritonsillar abscess is a common infection in the pediatric population, but diagnosis can be challenging. Transcervical ultrasound is a safe, cost-effective, and accurate modality to help stratify patients into medical and surgical treatment arms. 3b. Laryngoscope, 127:1924-1929, 2017.

Clinical factor for successful nonsurgical treatment of pediatric peritonsillar abscess.

Current management for peritonsillar abscess in pediatric patients includes intensive medical therapy using antibiotics with or without surgical drainage. However, attaining proper surgical drainage is difficult in young children because they have narrow oral cavities and are less cooperative than adults. The aim of this study was to investigate which factors are associated with a good response to nonsurgical treatment of a pediatric peritonsillar abscess. A retrospective analysis. This study included consecutive children who visited our pediatric clinic for the treatment of peritonsillar abscess. All patients initially received medical treatment, and additional surgical treatment was provided if the patient appeared unlikely to recover. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with a good response to nonsurgical treatment. In addition, a receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify the age cutoff for predicting good treatment response. A total of 88 children were included the study. Patient age, recurrent tonsillitis, and abscess size were significantly associated with response to nonsurgical treatment (adjusted odds ratios=1.485, 2.403, and 1.325, respectively) after adjusting for sex, body mass index, season, serum C-reactive protein levels, and tonsil grade. The age cutoff associated with good response to nonsurgical treatment was 7.5 years (80.0% sensitivity, 51.5% specificity). Our findings suggest that a younger age, fewer episodes of acute tonsillitis, and smaller abscess size predict a successful response to nonsurgical treatment in children with peritonsillar abscess. 4.

Transcervical ultrasonography in the diagnosis of pediatric peritonsillar abscess.

Pediatric peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common infection, particularly in the adolescent population. Physical examination alone is not always sufficient to diagnose this pathology, and thus, computed tomography is often utilized as a diagnostic adjunct. With growing concern over radiation exposure in the pediatric population, we conducted a prospective study to investigate the use of ultrasonography in the detection of pediatric PTA. Prospective single arm cohort study. Pediatric patients examined in consultation for concern for PTA were prospectively enrolled in the study. Patients were managed based on clinical symptoms and presentation. Transcervical ultrasonography of the peritonsillar region was performed on all patients. Clinical outcomes were reviewed retrospectively and compared to ultrasound findings. Forty-three patients (age range, 2-20 years) were enrolled in the study. The sensitivity and specificity of transcervical ultrasound when compared to clinical outcomes were 100% and 76.5%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 52.9% and 100%, respectively. Fisher exact test showed a statistically significant association (P < .01) between negative ultrasonography and successful medical management, and multivariate regression analysis showed a strong correlation between ultrasound findings and presence/absence of purulence during surgical intervention (P = .01). Transcervical ultrasonography is a useful tool in diagnosing pediatric PTA. This imaging modality not only avoids undue radiation exposure, but it also proves to be an excellent tool at identifying patients who will not need surgical intervention. To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore this technique for the diagnosis of pediatric PTA. 2b.

Trends in the management of pediatric peritonsillar abscess infections in the U.S., 2000–2009

ObjectivesTo analyze temporal trends in the incidence and surgical management of children with peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs), and to examine whether there has been concurrent changes in hospital charges or length of stay. MethodsThe Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) from 2000 to 2009 was examined for children less than 18 years old with ICD-9-CM diagnostic codes for PTA (475). Survey weighted frequency and regression analyses were performed across the entire study period on variables of interest in order to determine estimates of national incidence, demographics and outcomes. ResultsA total of 20,546 weighted cases of PTA were identified during the study period. There was no significant change in the incidence of pediatric PTA across the study period (p=0.63) or in the rate of nonsurgical management (p=0.85). There was a significant increase in the rates of I&D from 26.4% to 33.7% (p<0.001) and a significant decrease in the rate of tonsillectomy from 13.0% to 7.8% (p<0.001). Mean inflation-adjusted charges significantly increased from approximately $8400 in 2000 to $13,300 in 2009 (p<0.001), and average length of stay was 2.15 days with no significant change during the study period (p=0.164). Mean inflation-adjusted charges for patients undergoing tonsillectomy alone were approximately $1800 greater than mean charges for those undergoing I&D alone (p=0.003) and length of stay was also significantly longer for tonsillectomy patients versus I&D patients [I&D 1.99 days versus tonsillectomy 2.23 days (p<0.001)]. ConclusionsThere was no change in the incidence of pediatric PTAs from 2000 to 2009 but there was a change in surgical management, with a significant decrease in the rate of tonsillectomy and significant increase in the rate of incision and drainage procedures. Hospital charges during this period increased nearly 60% despite no change in rates of CT imaging, surgical intervention or length of stay.

Trends in Hospitalizations for Pediatric Peritonsillar Abscess: 2003‐2009

Objectives: Peritonsillar abscesses (PTA) are the most common deep neck space infections. Although many of these infections are treated in the emergency department, these infections can become quite serious, compromising the airway or developing into Lemierre’s Syndrome, requiring hospitalization. We embarked on this study to determine current hospitalized costs, length of stay (LOS), and demographic stratification of peritonsillar abscess. Methods: This study used the Kid Inpatient Database for 2003, 2006, and 2009. We queried this for International Classification of Disease, ninth revision, clinical modification (ICD-9-CM) code 475.00, representing PTA. We obtained stratified data for this diagnosis. Hospital resource use was compared between teaching, non-teaching, and pediatric facilities using Statistical Analysis Software. Census data were used to calculate incidences. Results: The number of hospitalizations and incidence increased (3608 to 4502, 3.7 to 4.5/100000population). Hospitalizations increased with increasing age (for 15-19 yo vs other ages RR 2.18, 95%CI 2.14-2.22). Percent of cases receiving surgical drainage decreased (41% to 34%). Median LOS remained constant at 2 days. Patients had longer LOS at pediatric hospitals (2.3d vs 2.14d vs 2.02d, P &lt; 0.001) accruing more charges ($14763 vs $10587 vs $9120, P &lt; 0.001). Pediatric and teaching hospitals performed more drainage than nonteaching (39.4% and 40.4% vs 36.1%, P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Incidence of pediatric hospitalizations for PTA increased from 2003-2009. These infections were more common among adolescents. Surgical management decreased. Overall cost per case increased, while LOS remained constant. The national emergence of community-acquired MRSA during this time period may be related to the increase in incidence.

Pediatric peritonsillar abscess: Quinsy ie versus interval tonsillectomy

Peritonsillar abscessQuinsy versus interval tonsillectomy. Objectives(1)Compare operative time and intraoperative blood loss in patients receiving either Quinsy or interval tonsillectomy for peritonsillar abscess.(2)Compare post-operative bleeding and readmission rates between patients receiving either Quinsy or interval tonsillectomy for peritonsillar abscess. Study designCase series with chart review. MethodsWe reviewed the records of children treated for peritonsillar abscess between 2007 and 2011 at an academic tertiary pediatric hospital. We identified patients by searching the hospital database for all children treated for the ICD-9 code 475 (peritonsillar abscess). Data points extracted included length of stay, intraoperative blood loss, operative time, and incidence of complications. Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant differences between treatment categories. Children who never received a tonsillectomy (CPT codes 42820/42821/42825/42826) were excluded. Results34 children received tonsillectomy for peritonsillar abscess from 2007 to 2011. Of these: 23 received a Quinsy tonsillectomy, and 11 received antibiotics with or without incision and drainage, followed by tonsillectomy a minimum of 2 weeks later. Total hospital days in treatment course was 2.2 days for Quinsy tonsillectomy group and 2.3 days for the interval tonsillectomy group. Estimated blood loss was less than 20ml for both groups. Operative time was 38min for Quinsy tonsillectomy and 39min for interval tonsillectomy. There were no post-tonsillectomy hemorrhages. One patient in the interval tonsillectomy group required readmission for dehydration. ConclusionThere were no significant differences in total hospital days, blood loss, operative time, or post-operative complications between Quinsy tonsillectomy and interval tonsillectomy in the treatment of pediatric peritonsillar abscess.

Use of Computed Tomography in the Emergency Department for the Diagnosis of Pediatric Peritonsillar Abscess

The objective of this study was to review our pediatric emergency department's (ED's) utilization of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) and treatment outcomes. This study used case series with chart review. From January 2007 to January 2009, 148 patients were seen in our ED for possible PTA. Mean age at presentation was 11.8 years (range, 10 months to 18 years); 81 (54.7%) of 148 were females. Computed tomography was ordered in 96 (64.9%) of 148 patients, of which 73 (49.3%) 148 were confirmed to have PTA. Mean age of patients who underwent CT was younger when compared with those who did not have CT performed (mean, 11 vs 13 years; P = 0.02). Unilateral PTA was found in 65 (43.9%) of 148, bilateral in 8 (5.4%) of 148, and intratonsillar in 25 patients (16.9%). Concomitant CT findings of parapharyngeal space involvement were found in 19 (12.8%), and retropharyngeal space involvement in 11 (7.4%). Admission was necessary for 104 (71.2%) of 148 patients, whereas 42 were discharged from the ED. Transoral needle aspiration and/or incision and drainage were performed in the ED in 41 patients, with purulence identified in 33 (80.5%) of 41. Rapid strep testing was positive in 40 (32%) of 124 patients tested. Operative treatment was necessary in 44 patients (29.7%), 34 underwent incision and drainage, and 10 underwent quinsy tonsillectomy. Computed tomography is commonly utilized in the ED for the evaluation of PTA and is ordered more often in younger children.

Immediate versus Interval Tonsillectomy for Peritonsillar Abscess

Objective: 1) Compare operative time and intraoperative blood loss in patients receiving either Quinsy or interval tonsillectomy for peritonsillar abscess. 2) Compare postoperative bleeding and readmission rates for patients receiving either Quinsy or interval tonsillectomy for peritonsillar abscess. Method: Study design: Retrospective review. Setting: Academic tertiary pediatric hospital. Patients: Children treated between 2007 and 2011 for peritonsillar abscess. Patients were identified by searching the hospital database for all children treated for the ICD-9 code 475 (peritonsillar abscess). Children who never received a tonsillectomy (CPT codes 42820/42821/42825/42826) were excluded. Results: A total of 49 children received tonsillectomy for peritonsillar abscess from 2007 to 2011. Of these, 37 received a Quinsy tonsillectomy, and 12 received antibiotics with or without incision and drainage, followed by tonsillectomy a minimum of 2 weeks later. Total hospital days in treatment course was 2.2 days for the Quinsy tonsillectomy group and 2.3 days for the interval tonsillectomy group. Estimated blood loss was less than 20 milliliters for both groups. Operative time was 38 minutes for Quinsy tonsillectomy and 39 minutes for interval tonsillectomy. There were no posttonsillectomy hemorrhages. One patient in the interval tonsillectomy group required readmission for dehydration. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in total hospital days, blood loss, operative time, or postoperative complications between Quinsy tonsillectomy and interval tonsillectomy in the treatment of pediatric peritonsillar abscess.

Peritonsillar abscess in children: a 10-year review of diagnosis and management

Objective: peritonsillar abscess is the most common deep neck infection in adults and children. However, pediatric patients with their smaller anatomy and often inability to cooperate with exam and treatment, provide a challenge. This study reviews the experience over the last 10 years at a children's hospital in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric peritonsillar abscess. Methods: a retrospective chart review of 83 children diagnosed with a peritonsillar abscess by the Otolaryngology service over a 10-year period (March 1989–February 1999) were reviewed. Presenting signs and symptoms, physical findings, age, season of presentation, prior pharyngitis history, and prior treatment was collected from the charts. Additionally, diagnostic studies (if any), treatment performed, bacteriology, and outcome/complications were noted. Results: due to either an inability to cooperate fully for examination and treatment, or because of an earlier history of significant recurrent pharyngitis or obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy, half of the children required treatment in the operating room. Twenty-six out of 83 (31%) underwent a quinsy tonsillectomy. Length of stay was relatively short (0.9 days). There were no recurrent PTAs in our series, although four children initially treated with incision and drainage required tonsillectomy for persistent symptoms or residual abscess. Ten of those not treated with tonsillectomy (19%) required interval tonsillectomy for recurrent pharyngitis. Conclusion: limited by the ability to cooperate with treatment, children often require different treatment plans. We offer a treatment algorithm for managing children with PTAs that takes into account their age, level of cooperativeness, co-morbidities and prior history of pharyngitis, PTA or obstructive sleep disorder.