Orbital Cellulitis in a Pediatric Population - Experience From a Tertiary Center.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience in treating children afflicted with orbital cellulitis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of hospital records of children afflicted with orbital cellulitis was conducted between 2005-2018. Clinical, laboratory and radiology characteristics as well as management, microbiological data, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Of the 94 patients, painful restriction of ocular motility was observed in 37.2% and proptosis in 34%, whereas, only 18% of the children presented with both classical signs. Children aged older than 9 years presented with markedly elevated inflammatory markers i.e., leukocytosis and C-reactive protein (CRP). Only a minority (12, 12.4%) required functional endoscopic sinus surgery. CONCLUSION: Our data support the general approach that orbital cellulitis should be initially managed conservatively with close monitoring; since, only a minority of patients require surgical intervention.