The rising incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pediatric neck abscesses

OBJECTIVES: To examine the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pediatric neck abscesses and compare these with abscesses caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphy-lococcus aureus (MSSA) and other organisms (non-SA). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of 245 children who underwent incision and drainage of neck abscesses from January 1, 2001, to December 1, 2005. RESULTS: The yearly incidence of MRSA increased from 9 percent to 40 percent during the study period. Abscesses in medial locations were less common in the MRSA group (P < 0.01) and NISSA group (P < 0.001) compared with the non-SA group. Average patient ages were MRSA 18.9 months, MSSA 18.7 months. and non-SA 47.6 months. Complication rates were MRSA 8 percent, MSSA 5 percent. and non-SA 5 percent. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of MRSA in pediatric neck abscesses is increasing dramatically. MRSA and NISSA usually infect younger patients in the lateral locations. Clinical courses were similar in all groups. (c) 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.