To Compare the Efficacy of C-Reactive Protein and Total Leucocyte Count as Markers for Monitoring the Course of Odontogenic Space Infections.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of CRP and TLC as markers for monitoring the course of odontogenic space infections (OSI) in 50 patients.

Methods: A Clinical severity scale (CSS) was developed to grade the severity of infections in patients. Blood samples were taken preoperatively and postoperatively at day 1, day 2, day 3 and day 7 for measuring the levels of CRP and TLC.

A review of complications of odontogenic infections.

Life-threatening infections of odontogenic or upper airway origin may extend to potential spaces formed by fascial planes of the lower head and upper cervical area. Complications include airway obstruction, mediastinitis, necrotizing fascitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, sepsis, thoracic empyema, Lemierre's syndrome, cerebral abscess, orbital abscess, and osteomyelitis. The incidence of these "space infections" has been greatly reduced by modern antibiotic therapy.