Spread of odontogenic infections in pregnancy and puerperium: A retrospective study from two tertiary hospitals in Northwest Nigeria
Bello Alhaji Mohammed, Umar Abdullahi, Anas Tsafe Bawa, Mohammad Kaura Abubakar, Olufemi Ibrahim Adigun, Sanusi Abubakar Mayana, Mujtaba Bala, Lydia BulusBACKGROUND:
Odontogenic infections in pregnant and puerperal women can progress rapidly and pose significant risks to maternal and fetal health. However, data on their clinical patterns and outcomes in Nigeria remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of severe odontogenic infections in pregnant and puerperal women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using the medical records of pregnant and puerperal patients treated for severe odontogenic infections at two tertiary hospitals in Northwest Nigeria between January 2023 and December 2025. Extracted variables included socio-demographics characteristics, gestational or puerperal status, laboratory findings, microbiology, treatment modalities, and outcomes. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.
RESULTS:
Sixteen case records were eligible for analysis: 14 (87.5%) pregnant and 2 (12.5%) puerperal women. The mean age was 28.6 ± 7.0 years (range: 18–41 years). Most pregnant patients presented in the third trimester (50.0%). Cervicofacial space abscess was the most common diagnosis (75.0%), followed by Ludwig’s angina (12.5%) and cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis (12.5%). Anemia (hemoglobin <10 g/dL) was present in 68.8% of patients. Microbiological culture was available in 37.5% of cases, with
CONCLUSION:
Severe odontogenic infections in pregnancy were most frequently observed in the third trimester and commonly involved cervicofacial spaces. Anemia was a frequent comorbidity. Prompt multidisciplinary management with early surgical drainage and antibiotics was associated with favorable outcomes.