Preoperative blood sugar and C-reactive protein associated with persistent discharge after incision and drainage for patients with deep neck abscesses

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood sugar correlated with persistent discharge after incision and drainage for patients with deep neck abscesses. Study design: Retrospective data analysis. Setting: Tertiary referral centre. Participants: A total of 204 patients who underwent operation for deep neck abscess. Main outcome measures: Persistent discharge after operation. Results: One hundred seventy patients were included for final analyses. Most of the patients were male (n = 115; 68%) and the average age was 54 years. Using logistic regression analyses, age > 55 years [odds ratio (OR): 3.053; P = 0.002], preoperative CRP > 15 mg/dL (OR: 2.174; P = 0.027), and preoperative blood sugar > 8.3 mmol/L (OR: 3.280; P = 0.001) were independent factors correlated with persistent discharge. Conclusions: Older age, elevated preoperative CRP level and blood sugar had a statistically significant association with persistent discharge after operation in deep neck abscesses patients.