Perfil epidemiológico das infcções odontogênicas em pacientes hospitalizados em um hospital universitário

Abstract

Odontogenic infections represent a significant public health concern, as they may rapidly spread to deep fascial spaces and, in severe cases, lead to potentially fatal systemic complications. In this context, the present study aimed to outline the clinical and epidemiological profile of hospitalized patients with odontogenic infections treated by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology Service at the Maria Aparecida Pedrossian University Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, from January 2010 to January 2025. This descriptive, analytical, retrospective, and documentary study was based on the analysis of electronic medical records. The variables assessed included sociodemographic data (sex, age group, skin color), clinical information (length of hospital stay, affected fascial spaces, involved teeth and sextants, and antibiotic use prior to and during hospitalization), and therapeutic data (type of treatment performed and clinical outcomes). The final sample comprised 185 valid medical records. Most patients were young adults, with a predominance of individuals self-identified as Black or Brown, suggesting persistent inequalities in access to dental care. The infections, more frequently involving the submandibular, vestibular, and buccal spaces, included severe episodes, some of which progressed to death. Regarding antimicrobial therapy, hospital management required varied and non-standardized combinations, reflecting the complexity of the clinical conditions. The results are essential to support the development of preventive strategies, the standardization of clinical-hospital management, and the improvement of public oral health policies aimed at reducing hospitalizations, complications, and healthcare costs.