JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Deficits in global oral health care are paramount, and complications of odontogenic infections constitute a considerable global health problem, in particular in low-income countries (LICs). A high mortality rate has been observed for patients admitted with complicated odontogenic infections in our facilities in Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, although exact data have not been published yet. Data regarding who in this region is at risk and why, is lacking.

Objective:

This study aims to prospectively investigate morbidity and mortality from complicated dental abscesses and to determine patients’ characteristics and microbial findings to examine predisposing factors for worse outcome. In particular, incidence, clinical, and microbial characteristics of complicated odontogenic infections, as well as (socio)demographic data and co-morbidities of the affected patients, will be studied. Patients will be prospectively followed-up to examine complications and outcome of complicated dental infections, with means to develop a location and circumstances-specific adapted improvement. Study results will be reported according to STROBE criteria.

Methods:

Patients presenting with complicated dental infections requiring hospital admission in Masanga Hospital or Lion Heart Medical Centre will be consecutively selected for possible inclusion in the study as of September 4th, 2021, over a study period of one year with an individual routine follow-up of at least three months after discharge. Standardized questionnaires will be obtained and clinical measurements as well as medical photos will be taken. Standard laboratory tests (a.o. full blood count and HIV-status) will be performed and pus specimens will be examined. Local treatment guidelines will be adhered to, and data on medical and/or surgical treatment as well as outcome will be collected. Routine follow-up will take place 1 and 3 months post-discharge.

Results:

The study protocol was endorsed by the Masanga Medical Research Unit’s Scientific Review Committee (MMRU-SRC) on the 16th of June, 2021, and ethical approval has been granted on July 5th, 2021 by the Sierra Leone National Ethics Committee. Funding of the budgeted study costs was approved by the Dental Health International Netherlands in August 2021. The projected start of data collection is September 4th, 2021 and the study period will most likely be 1 year. As such, data collection is expected to be complete in November 2022.

Conclusions:

The aim of this prospective observational cohort study is to gain more knowledge about complicated odontogenic infections in Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, to further improve treatment strategies.