Practice Patterns in the Management of Preseptal and Orbital Cellulitis: A National Survey

To describe clinical practice patterns in diagnostic testing, antibiotic treatment, hospitalization, subspecialty consultation, and discharge recommendations for children with preseptal and orbital cellulitis across Canadian hospitals.

A cross-sectional survey of pediatric hospitalists and pediatric emergency department (ED) physicians was conducted. The survey was distributed through the Canadian Pediatric Inpatient Research Network and completed by hospital representatives. Site-level clinical management specific to clinician was assessed. Data were analyzed descriptively.

Of 40 hospitals contacted (17 children's and 23 community hospitals), 32 responded (80%; 13 children's hospitals, 19 community hospitals). The most ordered tests in the ED were complete blood count (81.9%) and C-reactive protein (CRP; 81.9%). When not ordered in the ED, 20 (62.5%) pediatric inpatient services ordered CRP and 4 (12.5%) ordered erythrocyte sedimentation rate. For admitted children, computed tomography scans were ordered always or frequently by 46.2% of children's hospital pediatricians and 5.3% of community hospital pediatricians. Ophthalmology (n = 11, 84.6%), otolaryngology (n = 9, 69.2%), and infectious diseases (n = 6, 46.2%) were frequently consulted at children's hospitals. Children with preseptal cellulitis not requiring admission were usually discharged home on oral cephalexin, whereas 2 sites recommended intravenous (IV) ceftriaxone. All children admitted with orbital cellulitis received IV antibiotics initially, most commonly a third-generation cephalosporin with antianerobic and antistaphylococcal agents or a third-generation cephalosporin with an antistaphylococcal agent.

There is limited consensus on diagnostic tests, subspeciality consultation, and empirical antibiotic therapy for preseptal and orbital cellulitis. This survey provides insight into health system-level usage that highlights the need to develop a clinical practice guideline to help standardize management.