Intensive Care Unit Transfer in Patients With Deep Neck Infections

<b>Background:</b> Deep neck infection (DNI) involves the deep neck spaces and may lead to airway compromise. An intensive care unit (ICU) is a specialized unit of the hospital that provides intensive care. ICU care is required for patients with severe DNI, although the risk factors for need of ICU care in patients with DNI have not been investigated. <b>Methods:</b> The clinical and laboratory parameters of 350 patients aged >18 years who were diagnosed with DNI between October 2018 and October 2023 were evaluated. Of these patients, 62 were transferred to the ICU. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to assess the risk factors for need of ICU care. <b>Results:</b> Univariate analysis revealed that older age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.0324, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0155-1.0496, <i>P</i> = .0001], a higher C-reactive protein (CRP) level (OR = 1.0076, 95% CI: 1.0049-1.0103, <i>P</i> < .0001), and blood glucose level (OR = 1.0057, 95% CI: 1.0023-1.0091, <i>P</i> = .0011), involvement ≥3 spaces (OR = 2.2366, 95% CI: 1.2827-3.8998, <i>P</i> = .0046), and mediastinitis (OR = 4.7134, 95% CI: 2.3537-9.4391, <i>P</i> < .0001) were significant risk factors for ICU transfer in patients with DNI. In multivariate analysis, older age (OR = 1.0216, 95% CI: 1.0032-1.0403, <i>P</i> = .0210), higher CRP level (OR = 1.0063, 95% CI: 1.0033-1.0092, <i>P</i> < .0001), and mediastinitis (OR = 2.6103, 95% CI: 1.1974-5.6905, <i>P</i> = .0158) were independent risk factors of ICU transfer in patients with DNI. The ICU group had a longer hospital stay (23.98 ± 8.53 vs 7.44 ± 4.24, <i>P</i> < .0001) and higher rate of tracheostomy (<i>P</i> < .0001) than the non-ICU group. However, there were no significant differences in the rate of incision and drainage open surgery or pathogens between the groups (all <i>P</i> > .05). <b>Conclusions:</b> Elder patients and those with advanced CRP levels and mediastinitis are more likely to be transferred to the ICU, leading to prolonged hospital stays and a higher risk of tracheostomy. Clinicians should assess the patient's need for ICU transfer and timely manage the airway according to the aforementioned laboratory parameters and complications carefully.