Abscesses in different body sites among children: a single-center prospective study

Abstract

Objectives An abscess is a localized collection of pus contained within a fibrous capsule. In this study, we aimed to determine the demographic pattern, common anatomical sites, risk factors, and the microbial profile of abscesses in different body sites among children. Methods We conducted a prospective study in our pediatric surgical department among children with abscesses in different body sites between January 2019 and December 2022. Results During the study period, 85 children were included. The participant age range was 0 to 14 years old, and 66% of participants were boys. The most common anatomical sites where abscesses formed were the pelvis (n = 29, 34%), abdomen (n = 22, 26%), neck (n = 14, 16%), and extremities (n = 12, 14%). Risk factors of abscesses in different body sites included cannulation, lymphadenitis, mastitis, perforated appendix, and perianal fistula. We observed that 74% of abscesses were of a polymicrobial nature. Conclusion The most common anatomical sites for abscesses in children included the pelvis, abdomen, neck, and extremities. Most abscesses in these sites were polymicrobial in nature.