Clinical scoring system of acute pharyngotonsillitis

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of acute pharyngo-tonsillitis by a scoring system and the impact of causative pathogens.

Methods: The patients with acute pharyngotonsillitis were evaluated for causative pathogens and her clinical symptoms and pharyngotonsillar finding by a clinical scoring system were assessed.

Results: Streptocococcus pyogenes were identified at 13.6%. Thirty-one viruses were also identified by PCR. The numbers of total white blood cells and the levels of C-reactive protein showed a significant positive correlation with clinical scores (p<0.001) and were significantly higher in cases with S. pyogenes. The clinical scores rapidly improved after the antimicrobial treatments in moderate cases and severe cases.

Conclusion: A clinical scoring system represents the severity of acute pharyngotonsillitis and is useful for evaluating clinical course of the illness.