Predicting Factors for Hospitalization Due to Odontogenic Infections in the Pediatric Population

Objectives: Orofacial infections of odontogenic origin are a common and important health concern in the pediatric population. Incorrect or late treatment may lead to serious and possibly life threatening complications. The aim of this study is to analyze the data on pediatric hospitalizations due to odontogenic infections and to isolate parameters predicting prolonged length of stay (LOS).

Methods: Data was collected from the records of patients (age<15) hospitalized due to odontogenic infections in Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya during the period of 1/2010-12/2015.

Results: A total of 411 patients were included. 58.7% of them were male, 66.9% of non-Jewish ethnicity. The calculated OR for odontogenic infections in patients from Arab background was 2.5, significantly higher (p<0.0001) than their Jewish counterparts. The mean age in the study was 6.53±2.59 years. There was significantly higher (P<0.05) values of White Blood Cells (WBC) and platelets in patients with >3 days LOS, patients with >3 days LOS were significantly older (8.36 vs 6.28) and OR for a prolonged LOS in Arab patients was 2.55 comparing to Jewish patients (p=0.01)

Conclusion: Risk factors for prolonged LOS were: older age, Arab ethnicity and higher WBC count and CRP (C reactive protein) values at admission.