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Deep neck infections (retro and parapharyngeal abscesses) can be difficult to diagnose clinically in young children, who may present with subtle or nonspecific symptoms. To identify features of pediatric emergency department (ED) presentations associated with subsequent inpatient admissions for these infections, investigators conducted a retrospective cross-sectional review of ED databases from 6 geographically diverse states between 2018 and 2019.
In a “look-back” analysis of some 800 children admitted with deep neck infection, 18% had at least one ED discharge before admission. The most common discharge diagnoses were fever, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, and localized neck symptoms.
In a “look-forward” analysis, 0.01% of about …