Acute orbital cellulitis
E. C. Watters, P. H. Wallar, D. A. Hiles and R. H. Michaels
A review of 104 patients with acute orbital cellulitis during the past
decade showed that the frequency of hospital admissions for this disease
has increased recently. Roentgenograms showed paranasal sinus in 77 of 91
patients. Haemophilus influenzae and Diplococcus pneumoniae were recovered
from the blood of 20 and 6 patients, respectively. Four children had
concomitant H influenzae meningitis. Bacteremia was demonstrated in 29% and
more common in those with extensive orbital involvement, those not
receiving antibiotics at the time of culture, and those less than 2 years
old. Some of the 26 patients with less extensive involvement were
bacteremic (17%), had leukocytosis, or roentgenographic evidence of
sinusitis. Most children received large doses of ampicillin sodium and
methicillin sodium intravenously until signs and symptoms had almost
abated. With this regimen, there were no orbital, ocular, or other
complications.
