Deep Neck Space Infections (DNSIs)

- Monitoring and evaluating the impact of the guideline

Monitoring/ Auditing Criteria:

▪️  Monitoring of the airway is a priority when managing DNSI patients and should continue for at least 48 h after surgical intervention.

▪️  A detailed history and physical examination of patients with DNSIs.

▪️  Proper imaging study of patients with DNSIs.

▪️   All patients with a DNSI should be given initial empiric antibiotic therapy (even if the patient is also being managed surgically) until culture and sensitivity results are available.

▪️  Surgical drainage of patients with DNSIs when indicated.

▪️  Clinicians should document resolution, improvement, or worsened symptoms of neonatal stridor after treatment or observation.

All clinicians should be aware and informed to consider the following:

▪️  Red Flags that need urgent referral for Assessment/ Management must be taken into consideration.

▪️  For Assessment it is crucial to perform a detailed history/ clinical examination as a minimum patient assessment.