Potential role of biofilms in deep cervical abscess.

OBJECTIVES: Deep neck abscesses are complex head & neck problems that can lead to significant complications including life threatening infections. It is understood that the pathology of these infections is primarily polymicrobial. Although broad spectrum antibiotics can be effective for small abscesses, larger abscesses can be recalcitrant and difficult to treat with antibiotics. It has been demonstrated for several infectious diseases, including some of head & neck, that biofilm phenotypes present a unique model for recurrence and chronicity of infectious diseases. It is suspected that biofilm phenotypes could play a crucial role in the recalcitrance of large deep neck abscesses. This study presents initial evidence indicating the presence of polymicrobial biofilms in deep neck space infections. METHODS: Fourteen samples obtained via biopsy of abscess walls from deep neck spaces of patients undergoing surgical drainage. Eight patients were male and 6 were female. All but one patient were pediatric with ages ranging from 18 months to 32 years. All samples were processed and analyzed with scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Electron micrographs of 12 out of 14 specimens showed discrete biofilm architecture with individual bacteria, both rods and cocci, embedded within the matrix. This was starkly different from tissue surfaces devoid of biofilms. CONCLUSIONS: This initial evidence suggests that biofilm phenotypes could play a role in the pathogenesis and recalcitrance of deep neck infections, particularly in larger abscesses.

Fat graft myringoplasty using umbilical fat.

BACKGROUND: Myringoplasty is a common procedure performed by otolaryngologists, particularly in the pediatric population. Tympanic membrane (TM) perforations can be caused by a variety of factors including retained tympanostomy tubes, infection and trauma. First described in 1878, myringoplasty has evolved to include many different materials for repair. Current materials used for myringoplasties include fascia, perichondrium, gelfoam, fat and paper. Multiple studies have looked at the success rates for these different materials. Fat graft myringoplasties in particular offer the advantage of a high success rate commonly reported in the range between 80% and 90%. Fat graft is classically harvested from ear lobe or post-auricular subcutaneous tissue. PURPOSE: In this study, we described the techniques and results of harvesting umbilical fat for the use in pediatric myringoplasty. METHOD: Twenty-eight cases of umbilical fat-graft myringoplasty performed between June 2008 and January 2011 was retrospectively reviewed and studied for rate of successful TM closure. RESULTS: Average length of follow up was 8 months ranging from 3 months to 26 months. Overall rate for successful TM closure of 100% was achieved. Literature review was performed to compare our results with those of studies using auricular fat graft. Furthermore, a review of existing literature on various properties of fat graft was done to explain the potential advantages of using umbilical fat for myringoplasty. CONCLUSION: Fat patch myringoplasty using umbilical fat is a safe and successful procedure for TM repair.

Systematic review of endoscopic airway findings in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

OBJECTIVES: We performed a systematic review of published literature correlating findings on endoscopic evaluation of the larynx and trachea in the pediatric population with the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. METHODS: Eight articles were identified through a structured PubMed search of English-language literature using the key terms laryngopharyngeal reflux, extraesophageal reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux. A systematic review was performed relating the presence of reflux in the pediatric population to findings on endoscopic airway evaluation. A covariant analysis was performed, and each study was weighted according to the number of available samples in that study as a fraction of the total. Overall odds ratios and confidence intervals were computed for each endoscopic finding on the basis of the documented absence or presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. RESULTS: A correlation was seen between the endoscopic findings and the presence of reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Arytenoid, postglottic, and vocal fold edema and erythema, lingual tonsil hypertrophy, laryngomalacia, and subglottic stenosis are among the endoscopic findings most frequently identified in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Certain findings commonly encountered on endoscopic evaluation of the larynx and trachea in children who present with respiratory symptoms do indeed demonstrate a correlation with the presence of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease and may indicate the need for antireflux therapy.

Auditory testing profiles of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease.

To characterize the auditory manifestations of patients diagnosed with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease (PMD), a rare X-linked disorder of myelin classically characterized by nystagmus, spastic quadriparesis, ataxia, and cognitive delay in early childhood or progressive disease in adulthood. A prospective case study of 5 pediatric and 3 adult patients diagnosed with PMD who demonstrate varying degrees of abnormal auditory function. These patients underwent comprehensive audiological evaluations (audiometry, tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions), auditory processing tests (Dichotic Listening, Frequency Pattern Test, Duration Pattern Test), and electrophysiological measures (Auditory Brainstem Response). Abnormal electrophysiological findings with normal cochlear function were found in all test subjects. Further testing completed on adult subjects revealed further central auditory dysfunction via auditory processing tests. All the adult test subjects had abnormal results on auditory processing tests including significant left ear deficits on dichotic digits and poor duration pattern test scores. Auditory processing test results indicated strong right ear advantages for all adult PMD test subjects in Dichotic Digit testing. The degree of audiological central dysfunction findings was more severe in subjects with greater symptoms of the disease. Our findings indicate the need for a full audiological test battery on all patients with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease and other severe neurological disorders.

Identification of adenoid biofilms with middle ear pathogens in otitis-prone children utilizing SEM and FISH.

OBJECTIVES: Biofilms have been implicated in the development of several chronic infections. We sought to demonstrate middle ear pathogens in adenoid biofilms using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). METHODS: Comparative micro-anatomic investigation of adenoid mucosa using SEM and FISH with confocal scanning laser microscopic (CLSM) imaging from patients with recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM). RESULTS: All otitis-prone children demonstrated biofilm surface area presence greater than 85% by SEM. FISH accompanied by CLSM imaging also demonstrated patchy biofilms All biofilms contained middle ear pathogens and were frequent in polymicrobial distributions: 4 of 6, 4 of 6 and 3 of 6 samples contained Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Dense adenoid biofilms may act as a reservoir for reinfection of the tubotympanum. Aspiration of planktonic middle ear pathogens existing in resistant adenoid biofilms during a viral upper respiratory tract infection may be an important event in the development of RAOM.

Craniocervical necrotizing fasciitis with and without thoracic extension: management strategies and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: First objective was to review cases of craniocervical necrotizing fasciitis (CCNF) at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center (Detroit, MI) for the last 18 years. Second was to analyze patients with and without thoracic extension for contributing factors. METHODS: Retrospective review of 660 patients with necrotizing fasciitis treated at WSU/DMC from January 1989 to January 2007 was conducted. Data regarding source/extent of infection, presenting signs/symptoms, computed tomography, microbiology, antibiotics, comorbidities, number/type of operations, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy, hospital duration, complications, and overall outcome were compared/analyzed between patients with and without thoracic extension. RESULTS: Twenty patients with CCNF for the past 18 years met the inclusion criteria. Ten patients had thoracic extension, and 10 patients did not have. Individuals in the thoracic extension group were likely to be older, had increased comorbidity, required more surgical debridement, experienced increased postoperative complications, and had lower overall survival. Three patients with thoracic extension underwent HBO therapy and 66% survived. CONCLUSION: This is the largest single institutional review of CCNF comparing patients with and without thoracic extension. Patients with thoracic extension have a poorer outcome as follows: 60% (6/10) survival vs 100% (10/10) for those without thoracic extension (P < .05). The CCNF patients without thoracic extension treated at our institution all survived after prompt medical and surgical intervention. Overall survival of CCNF patients without thoracic extension may be attributed to rigorous wound care, broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics, aggressive surgical debridement, and vigilant care in surgical intensive care unit. The HBO therapy should be included if the patient can tolerate it.

Correlating the clinical course of recurrent croup with endoscopic findings: a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to correlate endoscopic findings with the clinical course of recurrent croup. METHODS: Children were classified as having recurrent croup if they had had 2 or more episodes of barky cough, inspiratory stridor, and hoarseness. All study participants underwent direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy and were started on an antireflux regimen. A telephone questionnaire assessed the child's symptoms and treatment response. RESULTS: Forty-seven children with recurrent croup were seen in our otolaryngology outpatient clinic. Demographics included a male-to-female ratio of 1.6 to 1 and an age range of 1 month to 11 years (median, 20 months). Thirty patients (63.8%) had a medical history of asthma, and 10 (21.3%) came with a prior diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux-related laryngopharyngeal changes were seen during direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy in 87.2%. Of those with survey follow-up, 87.5% had improvement of respiratory symptoms after a 6- to 9-month course of antireflux medications. This finding was further reflected in a decreased number and duration of episodes (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The underlying narrowing process of recurrent croup can be attributed to gastroesophageal reflux and should be considered in any child with persistent barky cough, inspiratory stridor, and hoarseness. To confirm the diagnosis, diagnostic methods should be correlated with symptom progression after treatment initiation.

Recurrent croup presentation, diagnosis, and management.

PURPOSE: The lack of clinical insight into recurrent croup often leads to underdiagnosis of an upper airway lesion, and subsequently, inadequate treatment. This study examined the underlying etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical outcome of patients with a history of recurrent croup identified at initial presentation. The aim was to present common diagnostic features and suggest new diagnostic and management recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 17 children diagnosed with recurrent croup. Demographic, historical, and intraoperative data as noted in clinic charts were collected. Specific collected data included age, sex, chief complaint, presenting symptoms, past medical history, previous medication history, number of emergency room visits and inpatient admissions, tests/procedures performed and corresponding findings, current treatment given, and posttreatment clinical outcome. RESULTS: Six (35.3%) patients presented initially with a past medical history of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Fourteen (82.3%) patients had positive endoscopic evidence of gastroesophageal reflux. For these 14 patients, 44 laryngopharyngeal reflux lesions were noted, with 32 (72.7%) occurring in the subglottis. All 14 patients demonstrated various degrees of subglottic stenosis ranging from 30% to 70% (Cotton-Myer grade I-II). All 17 patients (100%) demonstrated subglottic stenosis ranging from 15% to 70% airway narrowing. CONCLUSIONS: History suggestive of recurrent croup requires close monitoring and expedient direct laryngoscopy/bronchoscopy for diagnosis. Long-term follow-up and antireflux treatment are necessary as well as endoscopic documentation of significant reflux resolution.

Management of refractory chronic rhinosinusitis in children.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) continues to be a difficult problem for the medical community. Traditionally, oral antibiotic therapy has been the cornerstone of treatment, but some patients, who are resistant to multiple trials of oral antibiotics, require alternative therapeutic modalities. One such option, the use of intravenous (IV) antibiotics, has shown a high success rate in a limited study. Our goal is to estimate the success of a therapy consisting of culture directed IV antibiotics, adenoidectomy, and sinus aspiration in ameliorating long-term (>12 months) clinical symptoms of CRS in pediatric patients who are resistant to oral antibiotic therapy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 22 patients who received treatment, focusing on patient age, initial CRS presenting symptoms, computed tomography scan finding, length, duration, and type of prior oral antibiotic treatment, length and type of IV antibiotic treatment, and long-term follow-up of clinical symptom resolution. RESULTS: Initial clinical improvement after cessation of IV therapy was achieved in all 22 (100%) patients. Seventeen (77%) of the patients demonstrated long-term resolution of clinical symptoms of CRS. Excluding 4 immunocompromised patients, 16 of 18 (89%) of patients demonstrated long-term amelioration of CRS symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that IV antibiotics may prove beneficial for pediatric patients who demonstrate CRS not responsive to traditional oral therapy. Although other treatment options are currently available for this subpopulation of patients, this IV antibiotic therapy provides both a maximally effective outcome while using a relatively minimally invasive intervention.

Presence and density of Helicobacter pylori biofilms in human gastric mucosa in patients with peptic ulcer disease.

Our purpose was to use endoscopically directed biopsies and scanning electron microscopy to quantify Helicobacter pylori biofilm density on the surface of human gastric mucosa in urease-positive and -negative patients. Participating patients underwent flexible esophago-gastro-duodenoscopies coupled with gastric mucosal biopsies. Rapid urease testing was performed on all specimens to determine the presence of H. pylori, followed by scanning electron microscopy to identify the existence of biofilms. Samples were then analyzed using Carnoy Image Analysis Software to determine percent biofilm coverage of the total surface area. These data were compared to control specimens that were urease negative. Of the patients who tested urease positive for H. pylori, the average percent of total surface area covered by biofilms was 97.3%. Those testing negative had an average surface area coverage of only 1.64%. These differences were determined to be statistically significant at the 0.0001 level. This study demonstrates that compared with controls, urease-positive specimens have significant biofilm formation, whereas urease-negative specimens have little to none. This was reflected in the significantly increased biofilm surface density in urease positive specimens compared with urease-negative controls.

Identification of Helicobacter pylori biofilms in human gastric mucosa.

The purpose of this study was to use endoscopically directed biopsies and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to document the existence of Helicobacter pylori biofilms in human gastric mucosa. Patients underwent flexible esophagogastroduodenoscopies with three gastric mucosal biopsies. Rapid urease testing was performed to determine the presence or absence of H pylori. Urease-positive and urease-negative control specimens were imaged with SEM to obtain detailed images of gastric mucosa for the identification of biofilm colonies. Samples were obtained from patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopies. Eleven were found to be H pylori positive and nine were H pylori negative. These were imaged at 500x and 1000x with electron microscopy. Dense, mature biofilms were present and attached to the cell surface of H pylori-positive specimens and were absent in urease-negative controls. Photomicrographs were obtained. Biofilms are complex microbiological ecosystems where sessile bacteria surround themselves in a protective matrix. This lifestyle affords protection, allows for growth in hostile environments, and alters host physiology. Many have hypothesized that H pylori infections resulting in gastric ulcers may be a manifestation of biofilms. Our investigation is the first to photographically document the existence of H pylori biofilms on human gastric mucosa. This elucidation of the ecology and pathophysiology of the mucosa of the organism is important to our understanding of a potential mechanism of this organism's resistance to current therapy and how to better eradicate it in the future.

Temperature-controlled radiofrequency treatment of tonsillar hypertrophy for reduction of upper airway obstruction in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) tonsil reduction and adenoidectomy (TCRF&A) and conventional tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A) are statistically similar in outcome and to compare morbidity between TCRF&A and conventional T&A. DESIGN: Randomized control trial. SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The study population comprised 23 patients aged 2.6 to 12.5 years with symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, hypertrophic tonsils with no other areas of upper airway obstruction with the exception of hypertrophic adenoids, and a body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) of less than 30. INTERVENTION: Temperature-controlled radiofrequency tonsil reduction (mean +/- SD, 12.6 +/- 1.5 ablations per patient and 994.68 +/- 91.88 J per insertion) and adenoidectomy or traditional bovie T&A. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were respiratory distress index and total volume reduction. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain, daytime sleepiness, speech and swallowing problems, weight and diet, narcotic use, and analogue snoring scale. RESULTS: The respiratory distress index difference for TCRF&A was 5.63 vs 6.56 for standard T&A. On postoperative day 1 for the 13 patients who underwent TCRF&A, 0 reported severe pain, 11 (85%) had mild to moderate pain, and 2 (15%) had no pain. In the 10 patients who underwent standard T&A, 1 (10%) had severe pain and 9 (90%) had mild to moderate pain. By postoperative week 1, all TCRF&A patients experienced mild or no pain, whereas 1 (10%) of the standard T&A patients still had moderate pain. Mean visual analogue snore scores (0-10) 4 weeks after surgery were less than 1 for both groups. The mean +/- SD weight loss at postoperative week 1 for TCRF tonsil reduction patients was 1.0 +/- 3.5 lb (0.45 +/- 1.58 kg) vs 4.6 +/- 3.9 lb (2.07 +/- 1.76 kg) for standard T&A patients. Return to normal diet at postoperative week 1 occurred in 11 TCRF&A patients (85%) and 0 standard T&A patients. CONCLUSIONS: The respiratory distress indexes were similar for TCRF&A patients and standard T&A patients. In addition, there were similar analog snoring scales, decreased pain, and weight loss.

Characteristics of sensorineural hearing loss in children with inner ear anomalies.

PURPOSE: To determine whether hearing loss in children with inner ear anomalies has some distinctive characteristics when compared to children with hearing loss but without inner ear anomalies. METHODS: Temporal bone computed tomography scans of 69 patients with sensorineural hearing loss were examined for inner ear abnormalities of which 17 were identified. The medical histories of these patients were reviewed for the characteristics of their hearing loss, including initial presentation, natural history, and nature of loss, as well as the family history of hearing loss and risk factors for hearing loss. These were compared to age-matched controls with hearing loss but without inner ear anomalies. RESULTS: Seventeen patients had inner ear anomalies. Records of 14 of these patients were compared to patients without inner ear anomalies. Regarding age of onset, 71.4% of patients with anomalies had onset of their hearing loss at less than 2 years old vs 78.6% without anomalies. Regarding unilateral vs bilateral, 42.9% of patients with anomalies were unilateral vs 28.6% of patients without anomalies. For patients with anomalies, 85.7% were stable and 14.3% were progressive; without anomalies, 71.4% were stable, 21.4% were progressive, and 7.1% were fluctuating. Regarding family history, only 14.3% of patients without anomalies had a positive family history vs 56% of patients with anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: Children with inner ear anomalies and sensorineural hearing loss have an increased incidence of unilateral hearing loss and stable hearing loss as compared to controls with sensorineural hearing loss without inner ear anomalies. In addition, children with inner ear anomalies and sensorineural hearing loss are less likely to have a family history of hearing loss.

Tracheomalacia secondary to obstructive sleep apnea.

Tracheomalacia (TM) is abnormal flaccidity of the trachea caused by inadequate cartilaginous support by the C-shaped tracheal rings. This defect generally results in various degrees of dynamic narrowing of the airway lumen. TM usually presents with expiratory stridor, wheeze, and respiratory obstruction. TM is usually associated with tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia or with other thoracic lesions of vascular rings and tumors. We report a well-documented case of a 20-month-old boy who presented to our institution with a severe history of obstructive sleep apnea and adenotonsillar hypertrophy. On direct laryngoscopy/bronchoscopy, severe TM was noted. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy was performed, and by the 37th postoperative day, the TM had completely resolved. We review the literature, discuss the differential diagnosis and clinical evaluation, and propose a new pathophysiological mechanism by which obstructive sleep apnea causes TM.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus otorrhea after tympanostomy tube placement.

OBJECTIVE: To compare a retrospective cohort of nonhospitalized children with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) otorrhea with those with methicillin-sensitive S aureus (MSSA) otorrhea to determine the risk factors predisposing to MRSA otorrhea and the treatments used. DESIGN: Retrospective case-controlled series. SETTING: Tertiary pediatric care facility. PATIENTS: Seventeen children with MRSA otorrhea after bilateral myringotomy with tympanostomy tube insertion (BM&T) and 19 age- and sex-matched control subjects who demonstrated MSSA otorrhea. The average age at culture in MRSA patients was 52 months; in MSSA patients, 54 months. There were 8 boys and 3 girls in the MRSA group and 8 boys and 4 girls in the MSSA group. INTERVENTIONS: Oral, topical, and intravenous antimicrobial agents. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Antibiotic exposure and history of otitis media and routine antibiotic administration (topical, oral, or intravenous). RESULTS: The following findings were statistically significant (P < or = .06, Mann-Whitney test): (1) longer duration of antibiotic treatment after BM&T for patients with MRSA vs those with MSSA; (2) increased number of episodes of acute otitis media before BM&T in patients with MRSA vs those with MSSA; and (3) increased number of courses of antibiotics after BM&T in patients with MRSA vs those with MSSA. CONCLUSIONS: Methicillin-resistant S aureus otorrhea is commonly seen as a community-acquired infection in otherwise healthy pediatric outpatients. Risk factors for development of MRSA otorrhea include the number of episodes of acute otitis media before BM&T and number of treatment courses and duration of antibiotic therapy after BM&T.

Value of rigid bronchoscopy in the management of critically ill children with acute lung collapse.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the potential uses of a rigid bronchoscopy in pediatric patients, as well as explaining the advantage of a rigid bronchoscopy versus a flexible bronchoscopy in pediatric patients with acute lung collapse. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit. PATIENT: A 16-month-old male infant with a 5-day history of cough, congestion, and "wheezing" that progressively worsened. INTERVENTIONS: A rigid bronchoscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The evolution of the patient's acute lobar collapse to his final discharge is described. This includes the initial presentation, primary methods employed to improve the patient's condition, the use of a rigid bronchoscopy in removing a mucous plug, and the patient's results up to his final discharge. CONCLUSION: This report demonstrates the value of rigid bronchoscopy in pediatric patients with severe atelectasis and pneumonia. Although bronchoscopy may not be indicated as an initial procedure to remove respiratory tract secretions, it may provide a beneficial option in cases where less invasive methods prove ineffective in removing secretions and mucous plugs.

Age-, site-, and time-specific differences in pediatric deep neck abscesses.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify presentations, organisms, and locations of deep neck abscesses in children. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Tertiary children's hospital. The study population comprised 169 patients younger than 19 years who were surgically treated for deep neck abscesses between 1989 and 1999. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Resolution of abscess. RESULTS: Neck mass (91%), fever (86%), cervical adenopathy (83%), poor oral intake (66%), and neck stiffness (59%) were common in all ages. Patients younger than 4 years, compared with patients 4 years or older, presented with agitation (50% vs 14%), cough (35% vs 14%), drooling (27% vs 12%), lethargy (46% vs 33%), oropharyngeal abnormalities (45% vs 60%), respiratory distress (5% vs 2%), retractions (5% vs 2%), rhinorrhea (53% vs 15%), stridor (4% vs 2%), and trismus (14% vs 53%). Children younger than 1 year were infected with Staphylococcus aureus (79%) vs group A streptococcus (6%). Children 1 year or older were infected with group A streptococcus (29%) vs S aureus (16%). Retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal regions were involved in children 1 year or older (49%) vs younger than 1 year (21%). Anterior or posterior triangles and submandibular or submental regions were involved in 39% and 36%, respectively, of children younger than 1 year vs 30% and 23%, respectively, of children 1 year or older. Retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses yielded group A streptococcus (34%) vs S aureus (11%). Anterior and posterior triangle abscesses yielded S aureus (35%) vs group A streptococcus (19%), as did submandibular and submental abscesses (42% vs 19%). CONCLUSIONS: Abscesses in children younger than 1 year affected anterior or posterior triangles and submandibular or submental regions, yielding S aureus. Abscesses in children 1 year or older affected retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal regions, yielding group A streptococcus.

Presentation, diagnosis, and management of deep-neck abscesses in infants.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the presenting signs and symptoms, clinical course, pathogenic organisms, and management of deep-neck-space abscesses in infants. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary care academic children's hospital. PATIENTS: Records of 25 patients 9 months or younger with deep-neck-space abscesses from July 1989 through May 1999 were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Resolution of abscess. RESULTS: Presenting symptoms included neck mass, 92% (n = 23); fever, 60% (n = 15); and dysphagia and/or poor intake by mouth, 36% (n = 9). Overall, patients were symptomatic for a mean duration of 3.8 days before presenting to the hospital; 21 of 22 evaluated patients had elevated white blood cell counts. Imaging included 68% computed tomographic scan (n = 17) and 44% plain radiographs (n = 11). On the basis of radiology and operative findings, locations of the abscesses were as follows: anterior triangle, 8; parapharyngeal, 5; posterior triangle, retropharyngeal, and undefined, 3 each; submandibular, 2; and parotid, 1. Of 17 scanned patients, 13 had some degree of airway compromise evident on computed tomography. All were treated with incision and drainage, 3 of 25 intraorally and 22 of 25 externally. Pus was identified in all 25; 20 of these grew Staphylococcus aureus, 1 grew group A Streptococcus, and 4 grew no organism. All patients received intravenous antibiotics for a mean of 4.8 days and oral antibiotics for a mean of 11 days. Only 1 patient required a second procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Deep-neck-space abscesses in infants are rapidly progressive, often cause airway compromise, and usually present with fever and neck mass. The most common pathogen is S aureus. Patients are effectively treated with incision and drainage coupled with intravenous followed by oral antibiotics.