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Deep Neck Space Infection Clinical Pathway — Emergency Department and Inpatient

Emergency Department and Inpatient Clinical Pathway for Evaluation/Treatment of Children with a Suspected Deep Neck Space Infection

Child with Suspected Deep Neck Space Infection
Retropharyngeal, Lateral Pharyngeal, Parapharyngeal Abscess
 
 
 
 
 
 

ED Team Assessment

 
 
 
 
 
 
Lateral Neck Normal
Lateral Neck Consistent with Possible RPA
Lateral Neck Confirms RPA
Treatment as clinically indicated
 
 
 
 
Clinical Appearance
 
 
 
 
Non-Severe Disease

Severe Disease
Concern for airway compromise, sepsis, other complications

  • ENT consult and CT not routinely recommended for non-severe disease
  • Medical management is successful in most children
  • PICU admission, KOPH consider transfer to PHL
  • Antibiotic Recommendations
  • CBC, blood culture, BMP, CRP
  • Immediate ENT consult
  • Urgent CT neck with IV contrast
  • PICU, ED review sedation plan
  • Airway Response Team as indicated
 
 
 
 

 

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