Ludwig’s angina: an analysis of cases seen at the University College Hospital, Ibadan

Abstract

Background: Ludwig’s angina (LA) is defined as a rapidly spreading cellulitis involving submandibular, sublingual and submental tissue spaces bilaterally and simultaneously.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the causes, complications, duration of hospital stay and outcome of cases that presented within a 2-year period in the University College Hospital Ibadan and reviewing the management protocols used for such cases.

Materials and Methods: All cases of LA seen in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from January 2015 to December 2016 were studied. Information retrieved from patients’ case files included the aetiology, signs and symptoms at presentation, possible predisposing factors, results of laboratory investigations, duration of hospital stay and treatment outcome. Data obtained was analysed using SPSS 22.0 statistical software package (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) to present descriptive statistics.

Results: There were 13 cases of LA, consisting of 7 males and 6 females with a mean age of 47.7 + 16.8 years (age range 24-80 years). An odontogenic focus was noted in all cases. Almost all patients underwent surgical treatment, which consisted of an extraction of the offending teeth as well as incision and drainage of abscesses. Length of hospital stay ranged from 1 to 30 days (Mean 10 days) with all but 2 patients surviving.

Conclusion: This Study recorded an 84.6% survival rate because our management is handled as a surgical emergency with early recognition and attention paid to the airway in collaboration with the Otorhinolaryngology Unit in our center.

Keywords: Ludwig’s Angina, Underlying medical conditions, Treatment outcome