The empirical use of aminoglycosides in Ludwig's angina based on bacterial analysis of 63 cases.

Abstract

PURPOSES:

To determine if the empirical use of aminoglycosides is justified in Ludwig's angina based on microscopy, culture and sensitivity results.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis was done on patients that presented with Ludwig's angina to the Maxillofacial and Oral surgery department at the University of Pretoria. Demographical data was extracted from patient files. Pus specimens that were submitted as part of the initial surgical intervention were analysed.

RESULTS:

Sixty-three patients were included in the study with the majority, 76.19% (n=48/63), comprising males. The mean patient age was 38.6 years (range 6 months to 78 years). The majority of infections (87.3%) had an odontogenic aetiology (n=55/63). Forty-four percent of the patients had immunosuppressive co-morbidities (n=28/63). Streptococci contributed 71.26% (n=62/87) of the cultured bacteria. Similar bacteria were cultured in the immunocompromised and the immunocompetent patients (p=0.672). Ninety-two percent (n=57/62) of the streptococci cultured were sensitive to penicillin. The addition of aminoglycosides to the study sample would not have made a statistically significant difference (p=0.1556).

CONCLUSION:

Based on the findings of this study, the empirical use of aminoglycosides is not warranted in either immunocompromised or immunocompetent patients with Ludwig's angina.

• Authors: Petrie van der Merwe, Roxanne Rule, Steve Olorunju, Fred Jacobs
• Journal: Journal of stomatology, oral and maxillofacial surgery (J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg) Vol. 124 Issue 4 Pg. 101409 (09 2023) ISSN: 2468-7855 [Electronic] France
• PMID: 36738888 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Aminoglycosides
• Anti-Bacterial Agents

Topics

• Male
• Humans
• Infant
• Aminoglycosides
• Ludwig's Angina (diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology)
• Retrospective Studies
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Bacteria