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Orbital-facial complications of sinusitis in children
Insights
Orbital-facial complications from sinusitis in children still occur despite antibiotics. Prompt surgical intervention is crucial to prevent permanent vision loss, as delayed treatment can lead to optic atrophy.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
Background:
- Antibiotics have reduced sinusitis complications in children.
- However, orbital-facial complications remain a concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the incidence and outcomes of orbital-facial complications in pediatric sinusitis.
- To highlight the importance of timely surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 6,770 pediatric sinusitis cases over 25 years.
- Analysis of patients with orbital-facial complications (159 cases).
Main Results:
- 159 patients (2.3%) experienced orbital-facial complications.
- 17 patients required surgery to prevent severe outcomes.
- Two cases of permanent optic atrophy occurred due to delayed surgery.
Conclusions:
- Orbital-facial complications of sinusitis in children, though less common, still pose a risk.
- Early surgical drainage is vital to prevent permanent vision impairment.
- Malignant conditions can mimic inflammatory sinusitis processes.
Abstract:
Although complications of sinusitis in children have lessened remarkably since and advent of antibiotics, nevertheless they still occur. In a 25-year period at the Hospital for Sick Children, 6,770 patients with the diagnosis of sinusitis were reviewed and 159 of these had orbital-facial complications. Surgical intervention was necessary in 17 to prevent more serious complications. Although there were no deaths in non-malignant disease, two patients developed permanent optic atrophy, presumably because of delayed surgical drainage. On occasion, malignant disease may simulate inflammatory processes.