Complications of sinusitis in Ibadan, Nigeria

Nowadays the complications arising from sinusitis are rare since the introduction of antibiotics. However sinusitis and its complications are still life-threatening and if neglected may result in high morbidity and mortality. It is the purpose of this study to draw attention to the effects of the spread of infection beyond the sinus wall and thus to influence the clinician in his management in order to prevent the subsequent spread of the disease, and secondly make him aware of the sinogenic origin of these complications when he sees them. A retrospective study of 90 patients with sinusitis seen over a ten year period between 1988 and 1997 in the ENT Department, University College Hospital, Madan was (lone and those that had complications were further analysed to meet the objectives of this study. There were 90 patients seen with sinusitis over the ten years period, out of which 33 (37%) cases had complications, 17 males and 16 females (M.F.1:1). The average age of cases with complications was 28 years (age range 2.5 - 75 years). 66.6% of the complications cases occurred in age group under 30 years of age. Thus children and young adults were mostly affected. Twenty-six cases (79%) of chronic sinusitis developed complications while in acute sinusitis there were 7 cases (21%). The site affected most commonly by complications was the orbit (41%) followed by Sinus wall (32%), orophyarynx (18%), intracranial (5%); no car complications were seen. The type of complications seen at various sites and their incidence were also highlighted. Thus with this study it is hoped that clinicians would be reminded that complications of sinusitis still occur and hence be aware of the necessity to recognize and prevent them as rapidly as possible to avoid serious consequences.