Subperiosteal Abscess of the Orbit: Long-term Trends in Bacteriology and Clinical Outcomes and Current Management...

To evaluate the impact over time of evolving upper respiratory pathogens, modified microbial terminology, and improved laboratory isolation on the bacteriology and management of sinusitis-related subperiosteal abscess of the orbit.

Comparative case series of pediatric patients with bacterial sinusitis-related subperiosteal abscess from 2012 to 2022. Outcomes, culture results, age-specific findings, and antibiotic duration were compared with those in 1977 to 1992, 1988 to 1998, 1999 to 2008, and 2002 to 2012 cohorts at the same institution.

Ninety-one patients met the inclusion criteria. Forty-nine patients (53.8 %) recovered with medical therapy alone; 42 (46.2 %) underwent surgical drainage. There was increased representation in surgical cases of Streptococcus anginosus group (52.4%) and anaerobes (26.2%). Anaerobes were isolated from 2 patients <9 years of age, the youngest age 5; recovery in prior series was limited to patients ≥9 years old. Among 61 of 91 patients <9 years old, 41 (67.2%) were managed medically and 20 (32.8%) underwent surgery. Comparable proportions were 67.5%/32.5%, 85%/15%, and 72%/28% in prior cohorts. Among nonsurgical patients <9 years old, the mean duration of intravenous antibiotics was 4.02 ± 1.2 days. Four patients had multiple admissions. In cases positive for aggressive pathogens, initial findings prompted timely drainage. All patients had favorable visual and systemic outcomes.

This study extends to 45 years a unique analysis of the bacteriology and clinical course of subperiosteal abscess at a single center with comparatively stable patient demographics and environmental factors, using a relatively uniform treatment algorithm. Despite the increased representation of S. anginosus group and anaerobes, a multifactor protocol with minor modifications remains an effective strategy.