B Pavan Kumar, G.G. Sheela Prakash, A.P. Mohan, V. Vidya Devi

ABSTRACT

A B S T R A C T Introduction: Maxillofacial space infections are one of the most common complaints in oral and maxillofacial surgery that can lead to high morbidity and mortality if not assessed and managed properly. Systemic diseases like diabetes can critically influence their progress and recovery. Serum C-reactive protein is a marker with a short lifespan that can assess the progress of the disease with greater sensitivity. Aim: The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of CRP for monitoring the progress of maxillofacial space infections in both diabetics and non diabetic patients. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial surgery, Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences, Narketpally, Telangana. A total of 40 patients (22 females and 18 males) with maxillofacial space infections were selected for the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups (group A as diabetics, group B as non diabetics) based on medical history and HbA1c test. The patients were treated according to standard protocol and the assessment of recovery was done with CRP, WBC count, and other factors like swelling and mouth opening. Results: The mean value for HbA1c in group A was 7.095 and 6.110 in group B preoperatively. CRP was statistically significant Conclusion: In the present study, it was concluded that CRP is as reliable a indicator of the progress of the disease as WBC count.