Demographic disparities in children with retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses

• Published in: American journal of otolaryngology Vol. 45; no. 2; p. 104140
• Main Authors: Garvey, Emily A., Jamil, Taylor L., Levi, Jessica R., Cohen, Michael B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-03-2024
• Subjects: Deep space neck infections; Health disparities; Parapharyngeal abscesses; Pediatric; Retropharyngeal abscesses; Social determinants of Health; Social determinants of Health; Deep space neck infections; Retropharyngeal abscesses; Pediatric; Parapharyngeal abscesses; Health disparities
• ISSN: 0196-0709; 1532-818X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2023.104140

To explore the impact that demographic and socioeconomic factors such as age, gender, race, and insurance status have on the diagnosis of retropharyngeal (RPA) and parapharyngeal abscesses (PPA) in the pediatric population.
The 2016 HCUP KID was searched for all RPA/PPA discharges using the joint ICD-10 code J39.0. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the relationship between demographic factors and their impact on RPA/PPA diagnosis. Results were reported with their corresponding odds ratio with a 95 % confidence interval and p-value.
56.4 per 100,000 weighted discharges were discharged with a diagnosis of a RPA/PPA, the average age was 5.7 years old, with a male predominance. Pediatric discharges diagnosed with a RPA/PPA were less likely to identify as Hispanic or Asian/Island Pacific. They were also less likely to be insured by Medicaid and reside in zip codes with a lower median income.
The analysis of this national pediatric database demonstrated significant demographic differences in children diagnosed with RPA/PPAs. Following the multivariate analysis, children from a higher socioeconomic background and those with private insurance were more likely to be diagnosed with a RPA/PPAs. However, disparities in children's overall hospital course and complications is a potential area for future research.