Prognostic factors for cervico-facial cellulitis of oropharyngeal origin

Cervicofacial cellulitis of oropharyngeal origin is a polymicrobial infection relatively common in otorhinolaryngology consultation and maxillofacial surgery. In most cases, the classical evolution of this disease is favorable under rapidly established treatment. In addition, different determinants interact on the prognosis of this condition. Patients and method: We conducted a two-way descriptive retrospective study over a 4-year period. Included, all patients hospitalized and treated for cervicofacial cellulitis of oropharyngeal origin in both hospitals. Patients treated as outpatients as well as cervical-facial cellulitis of non-oropharyngeal origin are excluded in our research. Our objective was to report the prognostic factors of cervicofacial cellulitis in order to adjust the vigilance of health care workers. Results: We collected 150 patients with an average age of 16.67 years. The most represented age range is between 20 and 29 years. A slight predominance of the male gender was observed. The low socio-economic level, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, poor oral hygiene are common factors. A cellulitis of dental origin represents62% of cases and tonsillar in 28% of cases. The severity of cervicofacial cellulitis of oropharyngeal origin is the occurrence of a mediastinitis whose factors of poor prognosis are diabetes, pregnancy, the passage in medium of resuscitation, the presence of a trismus, dyspnea, dysphonia and impairment of the general state. Conclusion:  Cervicofacial cellulitis of severe oropharyngeal origin is rare but fearsome. This desease posing a real problem of therapeutic management. Analysis of favouring factors and prognostic factors may limit adverse developments