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Preseptal Cellulitis in Children: A Single-Center Experience
Berksu Cürebal1, Ayşe Şahin2, Nazan Dalgıç2
1Department of Family Medicine, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Preseptal cellulitis, an infection of eyelid tissues, is common in children. This study found no complications in hospitalized patients, highlighting the importance of prompt treatment to prevent orbital spread.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Preseptal cellulitis involves infection of the eyelid and periorbital tissues.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent potential orbital and intracranial complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and complication rates of preseptal cellulitis in hospitalized pediatric patients.
- To emphasize the importance of timely medical intervention for favorable outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 29 pediatric patients hospitalized with preseptal cellulitis between November 2012 and November 2017.
- Review of clinical findings, predisposing factors, diagnostic methods, and treatment regimens.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients were male (65.5%), with a mean age of 61.76 months.
- Periorbital swelling (72.4%) and hyperemia/edema (93.1%) were primary clinical signs.
- Sinusitis was the most common predisposing factor (52.9% of cases with identified factors).
- All patients received broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics; none developed complications.
Conclusions:
- Preseptal cellulitis is a frequent orbital infection in childhood with a generally good prognosis.
- Effective clinical management and rapid antibiotic therapy are essential to avert infection progression.
- This study observed no complications, underscoring the efficacy of current treatment protocols.
Objectives:
Preseptal cellulitis is an infection that affects the palpebra and the periorbital superficial tissue. This study is an evaluation of the clinical findings, treatment, and complications of patients hospitalized with preseptal cellulitis in a single clinic.
Methods:
The records of 29 patients with preseptal cellulitis who were hospitalized in the Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Education and Research Hospital Pediatric Infection Clinic between November 2012 and November 2017 were analyzed retrospectively.
Results:
Of the 29 cases, 34.5% (n=10) were female and 65.5% (n=19) were male. The mean age was 61.76±46.95 months, and the mean length of hospital stay was 4.03±2.04 days. Periorbital swelling (72.4%) was the most common cause of complaint at hospital admission, and periorbital hyperemia and edema were observed in 93.1% of the clinical findings. Nine (52.9%) of 17 cases with predisposing factors were sinusitis-related. A blood culture was obtained in 21 (72.4%) cases. Imaging methods were used in 9 (31%) cases to support the diagnosis. All of the patients received broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy during hospitalization. The mean duration of antibiotic use was 10.10±3.41 days, including after discharge. None of the patients developed complications related to preseptal cellulitis.
Conclusion:
Preseptal cellulitis is a very common orbital infection, especially in childhood. Although it generally has a good prognosis, it can progress rapidly to the orbita and intracranial structures. An accurate clinical approach and rapid treatment can prevent the spread of infection and avoid serious complications.
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