Clinical and epidemiological profile of severe bucomaxillofacial infections in a public hospital in Bahia (2018-2024)

Abstract

Objective: To delineate the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients affected by severe bucomaxillofacial infections at Clériston Andrade General Hospital in Feira de Santana, Bahia. Methodology: This descriptive, cross-sectional observational study analyzed 309 medical records, of which 233 met the inclusion criteria - patients with a definitive diagnosis of bucomaxillofacial infection between December 2018 and December 2024. Results: A higher prevalence was observe damong males (52.8%) underthe age of 40 (70%). Odontogenic origin accounted for 76.8% of cases. The submandibular space was most frequently affected (77.7%). Acute abscesses were the most common diagnosis (39.1%), followed by odontogenic cellulitis (28.3%). Ludwig’s angina and necrotizing fasciitis were the most frequently reported complications. Combined surgical and pharmacological treatment was employed in 73.8% of cases. Ceftriaxone (66.5%) and Clindamycin (64.8%) were the predominant antibioticsused. Conclusion: Bucomaxillofacial infections primarily affected young males, were largely odontogenic, and typically required surgical and antibiotic intervention. The observed paucity of epidemiological studies in Brazil, particularly in Bahia, high light sthepressing need for furtherre search in this field.