An investigation of operative outcomes: Pediatric invasive fungal sinusitis

Curtis Hanba1, Peter F Svider1, Wanda Lai2

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.

Insights

Invasive fungal sinusitis in children is rare but deadly, with nearly a quarter of surgically treated patients dying. Leukemia/lymphoma patients are most affected, and Mucormycosis predicts death.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology
  • Hematology/Oncology

Background:

  • Invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS) is a rare but severe condition in children.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify patient characteristics associated with high-risk surgical invasive fungal sinusitis in a pediatric population.
  • To analyze outcomes and risk factors in pediatric cases of invasive fungal sinusitis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) for 2009 and 2012.
  • Identified 102 pediatric patients with likely invasive fungal sinusitis through specific diagnostic and procedural queries.
  • Collected data on fungal species, disease extension, mortality, and clinical characteristics.

Main Results:

  • Leukemia/lymphoma patients comprised 90.2% of the cohort.
  • Mortality rate was 24.9% among surgically treated pediatric patients.
  • Aspergillus was the most common species; Mucormycosis independently predicted death (OR=3.835).
  • Orbital involvement was higher in younger children (0-5 years, 56.3%); brain extension occurred in 33.7%.
  • Average hospital stay was 59.3 days, with costs averaging $746,299.

Conclusions:

  • This study represents the largest pediatric cohort of invasive fungal sinusitis to date.
  • Demographics, cytology, and disease extension predict patient outcomes.
  • High clinical suspicion and prompt treatment are essential to reduce prolonged hospitalizations and costs.
Abstract