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Published on: February 9, 2011
[Rhinosinusogenic subdural empyema in children]
Insights
Rhinosinusogenic intracranial complications in children can lead to subdural empyema. Early diagnosis and treatment, including sinus focus eradication and abscess drainage, are crucial for positive outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Rhinosinusogenic intracranial complications are serious conditions in children.
- Subdural empyema is a rare but severe complication of rhinosinusitis.
Observation:
- A decade-long analysis (1994-2003) of 44 pediatric patients with rhinosinusogenic intracranial complications was conducted.
- Ten patients (22.7%) were diagnosed with subdural empyema.
- Early symptoms included severe headache, mental disorders, fever, and focal neurological deficits.
Findings:
- All patients exhibited systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
- Treatment involved vital function correction, surgical cleansing of infection foci, and intensive postoperative care.
- Postoperative therapy included broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin/clavulanate, vancomycin, cephalosporins, metronidazole), infusion, and symptomatic management.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment are essential for managing pediatric subdural empyema.
- Eradication of the primary sinonasal infection and surgical drainage of the empyema are critical interventions.
- Effective antibiotic and supportive care regimens contribute to favorable patient outcomes.
Abstract:
We have analysed case histories of children with rhinosinusogenic intracranial complications admitted to the ENT department of the Krasnodar regional pediatric hospital for a decade (1994-2003). Of 44 patients, 10 had subdural empyema manifesting primarily with such early symptoms as severe headache (n=5), mental disorders (n=10), fever (9), focal neurological symptoms (n=10). Systemic inflammatory response syndrome occurred in all the children. Preoperative treatment included a complex of measures aimed at correction of vital functions followed by urgent surgical cleansing of the primary and secondary infection foci. Postoperative therapy in a critical unit consisted of combined antibacterial treatment (amoxicilline/clavulanate, oxacilline or vancomycin in combination with cefalosporines of the third generation and metronidasol), infusion and symptomatic therapy. Early diagnosis and treatment including eradication of the primary focus in the paranasal sinuses and drainage of the subdural abscess, antibacterial and infusion therapy provide a good outcome.
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