[Management of Orbital Complications]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Orbital complications of sinusitis are severe conditions requiring accurate classification and treatment for optimal patient prognosis.
• The term "orbital phlegmon" is often misused for less severe orbital infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the epidemiology, diagnostics, and treatment of orbital complications secondary to sinusitis.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Chandler classification system in guiding treatment decisions for orbital sinusitis complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 49 patients treated for orbital complications of sinusitis between 2000 and 2010.
• Classification of orbital complications using the Chandler staging system.
• Analysis of patient demographics, diagnostic procedures, and treatment modalities.

Main Results:

• Orbital complications of sinusitis predominantly affected children and adolescents (53.1% aged 1-20 years).
• The most frequent classifications were preseptal cellulitis (Chandler group I, 53.1%) and orbital cellulitis (Chandler group II, 22.4%).
• Patients with Chandler group III or higher complications received combined medical and surgical treatment.

Conclusions:

• Orbital complications of sinusitis are most common in infants and adolescents.
• Early-stage orbital complications (Chandler groups I and II) can be successfully treated conservatively.
• Advanced stages (group III onwards) necessitate surgical intervention, with the Chandler classification guiding therapeutic recommendations.