190 - History of Antibiotic Therapy amongst Patients Presenting with Odontogenic Infections to a Pediatric Emergency Department

Purpose: The aim of this project was to analyze frequency of and trends in previously-prescribed antibiotic therapy amongst pediatric patients presenting with odontogenic facial swelling to a children’s hospital emergency department.

Methods: Retrospective chart reviews were performed on patients ages 1 to 17 years old seen by the on-call dental resident in the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh emergency department over a 3-year period. Patient age; degree of facial swelling; and history, type and duration of previous antibiotic use were recorded.

Results: 161 charts were identified. 52% of patients presented with history of antibiotic therapy. Out of this group, 30% had previously received amoxicillin, and 18% had previously received amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (amoxi-clav). 8% had received multiple types of antibiotics prior to ED presentation. Patients presenting with facial swelling were more likely to have a history of antibiotic therapy than not (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of access to immediate, definitive dental care for patients experiencing dental pain and infection, to minimize consequences of ineffective antibiotic therapy.