[Orbital and periorbital cellulitis in children. Epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic aspects and course]

Orbital cellulitis in children is a rare but potentially serious condition. The goal of this study is to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic aspects and typical course of orbital and periorbital cellulitis in children, so as to propose a clinical management protocol adapted to our context. During the retrospective study period (2008-2014), 28 cases were hospitalized in the pediatric department at the Mohammed VI university medical center in Marrakech. Eighty-five percent of the cases were diagnosed as preseptal cellulitis, and 15% as retroseptal cellulitis. The age of the patients ranged from 6 months to 14 years with a mean age of 3 years. We report a female predominance with a prevalence of 58%. In our study, the most common cause is extension of infection from sinusitis. Clinically, fever was present in 19 patients (68%), eyelid edema was universal, proptosis and chemosis were noted in 2 cases, and ptosis in one patient. Bacteriological testing identified micro-organisms in 6 cases. Orbital computed tomography performed in 57% of the cases showed preseptal cellulitis in 12 cases, orbital cellulitis in one case, a subperiosteal abscess in 2 cases, and orbital abscess in one case. Medical treatment was based on amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or the combination of ceftriaxone, metronidazole±aminoglycoside. However, surgical drainage was necessary in 1 case. The outcome of all cases was favorable. Orbital cellulitis in children is usually preseptal, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid is considered to be the standard empiric treatment.