title: [Peritonsillar infections: prospective study of 100 consecutive cases].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Peritonsillar infection is the most frequent complication of acute tonsillitis. Peritonsillar infections are collections of purulent material, usually located between the tonsillar capsule and the superior constrictor of the pharynx. Peritonsillar infection can be divided into abscess and cellulitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively analysed the clinical data from 100 patients with peritonsillar infection from 2008 to 2010. The diagnosis of abscess or peritonsillar cellulitis was primarily based on obtaining pus through fine-needle aspiration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy-seven per cent of patients had no history of recurrent tonsillitis and 55% were receiving antibiotic treatment. Sixty-two cases were peritonsillar abscess and the rest were cellulitis. Trismus, uvular deviation and anterior pillar bulging were statistically associated with peritonsillar abscess (P<.005). All patients were admitted to hospital and treated with puncture-drainage, intravenous antibiotics (amoxicillin/clavulanate in 83% of cases) and a single dose of steroids. All patients were discharged on oral antibiotic therapy. The mean length of hospital stay was 3 days and the recurrence rate was 5%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Due to the absence of clinical practice guidelines, there are different therapeutic protocols. According to our experience, puncture-aspiration and administration of intravenous antibiotics is a safe, effective way to treat these patients. To determine the efficacy and safety of outpatient management, controlled studies would be needed.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Principado de Asturias, España. Costi2@hotmail.com
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Costales-Marcos
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: López-Álvarez
authors.forename: Faustino
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Núñez-Batalla
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Moreno-Galindo
authors.forename: César
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alvarez Marcos
authors.forename: José Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Llorente-Pendás
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019980:Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007902:Length of Stay; D018942:Macrolides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000039:Peritonsillar Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D014068:Tonsillectomy; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D018942:Macrolides; D019980:Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination