What is a possible complication with the use of steroid in a especially in a child with an evolving neck abcess?

Masking of wbc -in infants and children, rapidly progressive airway compromise is usually present along with fever and neck mass. in infants in particular, a high index of suspicion is important, because complaints such as sore throat, voice changes, and odynophagia may not be forthcoming as they are in older children. in this series, 21 of 22 patients had an elevated white blood cell (wbc) count. serial wbc counts are a good way to monitor response to antibiotic therapy, and consequently, it is the preference of these authors that steroids not be used unless airway compromise is impending or present.