Our experience using primary oral antibiotics in the management of orbital cellulitis in a tertiary referral centre

To review the epidemiology and management of orbital cellulitis in children. The medical records of children < or = 18 years old and hospitalized from June 1, 1992, through May 31, 2002, at the Brenner Children's Hospital, with a discharge ICD-9 code indicating a diagnosis of orbital cellulitis and confirmed by computed tomography scan were reviewed. A literature search for additional studies for systematic review was also conducted. Forty-one children with orbital cellulitis were identified. The mean age was 7.5 years (range, 10 months to 16 years), and 30 (73%) were male (male:female ratio = 2.7). All cases of orbital cellulitis were associated with sinusitis; ethmoid sinusitis was present in 40 (98%) patients. Proptosis and/or ophthalmoplegia was documented in 30 (73%), and 34 (83%) had subperiosteal and/or orbital abscesses. Twenty-nine (71%) had surgical drainage and 12 (29%) received antibiotic therapy only. The mean duration of hospitalization was 5.8 days. The mean duration of antibiotic therapy was 21 days. Orbital cellulitis occurs throughout childhood and in similar frequency among younger and older children. It is twice as common among males as females. Selected cases of orbital cellulitis, including many with subperiosteal abscess, can be treated successfully without surgical drainage.

On the basis of bacteriologic studies, we have recommended expectant observation with intravenous antibiotics for subperiosteal abscess (SPA) of the orbit in patients less than 9 years of age, given the absence of eight other specific surgical criteria. We attempted to test these recommendations with a prospective study. Prospective noncomparative case series. Forty patients younger than 9 years of age treated for orbital SPAs at the Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin from 1988 to 1998. Specific management criteria were applied to a cohort of 37 orbital SPA patients. Three other orbital SPA patients under the age of 9, either ineligible for medical therapy or treated outside our guidelines, were also studied. Clinical data for all patients were reviewed and analyzed. Clinical resolution of the abscess, as evidenced by normal visual acuity, pupillary examination, motility, and globe position on the affected side. Eight patients met criteria for surgical treatment and underwent prompt drainage. Of the 29 patients for whom initial nonsurgical management was recommended, 27 (93.1%) SPAs cleared with expectant observation on intravenous antibiotics, and 2 patients defaulted to surgical intervention. All cases had successful clinical outcomes. In patients less than 9 years of age, orbital SPAs are likely to resolve without surgery, provided certain surgical criteria are absent.