Longitudinal discharge trends and outcomes after hospitalization for mouth cellulitis and Ludwig angina

Abstract

Objective: Objective is to provide longitudinal discharge trends and hospitalization outcomes in patients hospitalized because of mouth cellulitis or Ludwig angina.

Methods: Nationwide Inpatient Sample for years 2004 to 2010 was used. All hospitalizations with primary diagnosis of cellulitis or Ludwig angina were selected. Discharge trends were examined.

Results: A total of 29,228 hospitalizations occurred as a result of mouth cellulitis/Ludwig angina; 55% of all hospitalizations were male patients; 68% were aged 21 to 60 years. Non-whites comprised close to 40%. The uninsured comprised 22.3%. Ninety-nine patients died in hospitals. The total hospitalization charges across the entire United States over the study period was $772.57 million. Factors associated with increased hospitalization charges included, age, co-morbid burden, insurance status, race, teaching status of hospital, and geographic location.

Conclusions: Uninsured non-whites, those with high co-morbid burden, and those aged 21 to 60 years tended to be hospitalized consistently over the study period.