Predictive factors for abscessing tonsillitis: a retrospective analysis

Sievert M, Miksch M, Hinken N, Mantsoupoulos K, Gostian AO, Thimsen V, Mueller SK, Balk M, Rupp R, Iro H, Koch M (2023)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Book Volume: 27

Pages Range: 10690-10696

Journal Issue: 21

DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202311_34349

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In clinical practice, identifying abscesses in tonsillar infections is crucial for early therapeutic management. Diagnosis of a peritonsillar abscess is usually based on clinical symptoms. Complementary examination procedures, such as laboratory parameters and imaging, are available for confirmation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out of data for 752 patients who presented with acute tonsillar infection and were hospitalized between January 2012 and February 2021. The data analyses involved evaluating the patient's clinical symptoms, inflammatory parameters, and previous medical history in relation to the predictive power of these factors for the presence of an abscess. RESULTS: Predictor analysis for the presence of an abscess showed significant values for trismus (OR 2.392; 95% CI, 1.305 to 4.383; p=0.005) and palatal arch protrusion (OR 29.679; 95% CI, 17.460 to 50.447; p=0.000). The inflammatory parameter C-reactive protein and the leukocyte count were not statistically significant as predictors. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a tonsillar abscess can be diagnosed from the clinical presentation alone if the findings are clear. Further diagnostic procedures are indicated in case of inconclusive findings, and ultrasound should be the primary noninvasive method. Computed tomography is only required in selected cases. Inflammatory parameters can be assessed in order to monitor therapy, but do not predict the presence of an abscess. However, if defined action sequences are being considered, tonsillar abscesses can be differentiated at an early point.

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How to cite

APA:

Sievert, M., Miksch, M., Hinken, N., Mantsoupoulos, K., Gostian, A.O., Thimsen, V.,... Koch, M. (2023). Predictive factors for abscessing tonsillitis: a retrospective analysis. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 27(21), 10690-10696. https://doi.org/10.26355/eurrev_202311_34349

MLA:

Sievert, Matti, et al. "Predictive factors for abscessing tonsillitis: a retrospective analysis." European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 27.21 (2023): 10690-10696.

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