Suppurative parotitis in a preterm infant

• Published in: BMJ case reports Vol. 16; no. 1; p. e253713
• Main Authors: Ray, Sagarika, Nadeem, Lubna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group LTD 01.01.2023
• Subjects: Abscesses; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Antibiotics; Babies; Case reports; Exocrine glands; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases - drug therapy; Infant, Premature; Lymphatic system; Newborn babies; Parotitis - diagnostic imaging; Parotitis - drug therapy; Pediatrics; Premature babies; Premature birth; Staphylococcal Infections - drug therapy; Suppuration; Ultrasonic imaging; Radiology; Neonatal and paediatric intensive care
• ISSN: 1757-790X; 1757-790X
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-253713

[...]the secretions of the submandibular and sublingual glands are more mucoid and bacteriostatic in nature.1 Prematurity is a recognised risk factor for this condition, in view of the potential for dehydration, malnutrition, immunosuppression and tube feeds predisposing to salivary stasis. Prognosis is generally good and prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotic cover prevents abscess formation.4 Recurrence rates are low and possible complications include osteomyelitis, salivary fistula, facial palsy, extension to the external auditory canal, mediastinitis and subsequent respiratory distress.1 4 Learning points Infants presenting with a facial swelling should have a thorough examination, including that of the oral cavity, draining lymph nodes and the ears. Case reports provide a valuable learning resource for the scientific community and can indicate areas of interest for future research.