Severe Cervicofacial Cellulitis in Pregnancy- A Review of 18 Cases

INTRODUCTION: Cervicofacial cellulitis can be rapidly complicated with a difficult airway when prompt management is not instituted. It may have some serious consequences for developing baby when a pregnant woman is involved. This study presented the experiences gained from the management of cervicofacial cellulitis in pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on 18 pregnant women with cervicofacial cellulitis affecting more than one facial space at the presentation in a regional tertiary hospital within a five-year period (January 2013 to December 2017). The collected information included patient age, clinical diagnosis, number of involved facial spaces, gestational periods, and duration of hospital stay. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 15.0). RESULTS: A total of 131 patients with cervicofacial cellulitis were admitted during the study period, out of which 18 patients met the inclusion criteria and were investigated in the present study. These 18 patients were within the age range of 20-43 years with the mean age of 29±7.1 years. There was a statistically significant relationship between the number of fascial spaces involved and duration of hospital stay (P=0.04). All the patients had incision and drainage of the affected facial spaces under local anesthesia with good outcomes. CONCLUSION: The prompt management of pregnant women with cervicofacial cellulitis in a multidisciplinary manner is important to ensure uneventful outcomes in the lives of both the pregnant woman and unborn child.