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The continuous rise in orbital subperiosteal abscess incidence in the Iranian pediatric population
Hassan Asadigandomani1,2, Mohammad Taher Rajabi1,2, Amirhossein Aghajani1,2
1Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
The incidence of orbital subperiosteal abscesses (SPA) in Iranian children is increasing post-COVID. This study tracked 39 pediatric patients, finding a high male prevalence and ethmoid sinus involvement, with most patients showing improved vision after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- A notable rise in orbital subperiosteal abscesses (SPA) among Iranian children post-COVID era was previously reported.
- This study investigates the ongoing trend and characteristics of these cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To follow up on the increasing incidence of pediatric orbital SPA in Iran.
- To analyze the demographic, clinical, microbiological, and radiological features of affected children.
- To assess treatment outcomes and visual acuity recovery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 39 pediatric patients (≤18 years) diagnosed with orbital SPA following acute sinusitis.
- Data collected from October 2023 to March 2024 at Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran.
- Analysis included patient demographics, sinus involvement, abscess characteristics, and treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- 39 patients admitted, average age 7.29 years; 76.92% were male.
- Ethmoid sinus involvement was 100%; medial wall SPA in 69.23%.
- Visual acuity improved from 0.63 to 0.84 LogMAR post-treatment, regardless of surgical vs. medical management.
Conclusions:
- The increasing trend of orbital SPA in Iranian children post-COVID era appears to be continuing.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable visual outcomes.
- Further research is needed to understand the underlying causes of this post-COVID surge.
Abstract:
In this study, we aimed to follow up on the surprising increase in the incidence of orbital subperiosteal abscesses (SPA) reported in the Iranian pediatric population in the post-COVID era. Pediatric patients (≤ 18 years old) diagnosed with orbital SPA following acute sinusitis who were hospitalized between October 1st, 2023, and March 31st, 2024 in Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were included. Demographic, clinical, microbiologic, and radiological characteristics of patients were reviewed. During the 6-month study period, 39 patients were admitted to our tertiary referral hospital. The average age of patients was 7.29 ± 4.13 years and 30 patients (76.92%) were male. The ethmoid sinus was involved in 100% of patients, and SPA involvement was in the medial wall in 27 patients (69.23%). The mean volume of SPA was 1.45 ± 1.77 cm3. Nineteen patients (48.72%) underwent surgical interventions, however, 20 patients (51.28%) received only medical treatment. The best corrected visual acuity of patients increased from 0.63 (0.20 LogMAR) on the first day of admission to 0.84 (0.07 LogMAR) according to the Snellen chart in the first month after treatment. It seems that the outbreak of orbital SPA in the Iranian children population in the post-COVID era is an increasing trend.
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