[Invasive ENT infections in immunocompetent schoolchildren in the winter half year 2022/23 : A case series]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Rhinosinusitis is a common pediatric condition, but severe complications can arise, particularly during winter months.
• Orbital phlegmon is a serious complication requiring urgent medical attention to prevent long-term vision impairment or other sequelae.
• Invasive streptococcal infections pose a significant risk to pediatric populations, especially during seasonal outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case series of severe rhinosinusitis complications in children treated at Franz-Lust Hospital during the 2022/2023 winter season.
• To highlight the importance of an immediate interdisciplinary approach for managing complicated rhinosinusitis and orbital phlegmon in pediatric patients.
• To document the unusual incidence of invasive streptococcal infections observed in the same pediatric cohort during the study period.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series analysis of pediatric patients admitted with severe rhinosinusitis complications.
• Review of clinical data, treatment protocols, and patient outcomes.
• Epidemiological surveillance for invasive streptococcal infections during the winter season 2022/2023.

Main Results:

• Several cases of severe rhinosinusitis complications, including orbital phlegmon, were identified in children.
• Prompt interdisciplinary management was crucial in preventing long-term sequelae in affected children.
• An unusual increase in invasive streptococcal infections was noted in the pediatric population during the same period.

Conclusions:

• Severe rhinosinusitis complications in children demand immediate, multidisciplinary intervention to mitigate risks.
• The observed co-occurrence of severe rhinosinusitis complications and invasive streptococcal infections warrants further investigation.
• Seasonal factors may play a role in the increased incidence of both severe rhinosinusitis complications and invasive streptococcal infections in children.