[Microbial inflammations of the orbit in children]

The author evaluates in a retrospective study the incidence, diagnosis and causal agent and therapeutic results of microbial inflammations of the orbit. During the period from Jan. 1 1997 till Dec. 31 1999 66 children were hospitalized with the diagnosis of inflammation of the orbit. The mean age of the children was 6.2 years, the mean period of hospitalization 10.2 days. Chandler's classification of inflammations of the orbit was used. The diagnosis was established in collaboration by an ophthalmologist, otolyryngologist and roentgenologist. The main cause of inflammations of the orbit was inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. The most frequent microbial agents were streptococci, staphylococci and Haemophilus influenzae. All patients were treated during hospitalization by antibiotics administered by the i.v. route. Surgery was necessary in 8 patients--in 4 patients with an orbital abscess and in 4 patients with a subperiostal abscess not responding to conservative treatment. The operation was performed by an otolaryngologist using always the endonasal approach. The authors did not record in their group any permanent ophthalmological complications resulting from the inflammation of the orbit.