Ocular compications in ethmoiditis in children treated in a reference laryngological academic center

Introduction. One of the most commonly diagnosed upper respiratory diseases is sinusitis. A particular form of sinusitis in children is ethmoiditis. Due to the location of ethmoidal cells, their inflammation is associated with higher risk of complications compared with inflammation of other sinuses. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence, severity and management of ocular complications of ethmoiditis in the retrospective material of the reference laryngological academic center. Material and Methods. The retrospective analysis included 41 patients with ocular complications of ethmoid sinusitis who were hospitalized in the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology in the years 2012–2017. The analysis included the severity of complications on Chandler’s scale, management and results of culture of the material obtained during surgery. Results. The study included 25 boys (60%) and 16 girls (40%) aged from 3 months to 16 years. Mean age of the patients was 5.34 years (SD = 3.98). According to Chandler’s scale, retroseptal complications were diagnosed in 12 patients (29.27%), and anteroseptal complications – in 29 patients (70.73%). Surgical treatment was performed in 12 patients (29.27%), 8 of whom (66.7%) underwent external ethmoidectomy with orbital drainage, and 4 of whom (33.3%) underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Consistent findings of CT scan with lesions found during surgical intervention were found in 10 patients (83.3%). Fifteen different pathogens were isolated from the material collected during the procedures. In more than half of the patients (53.3%), the pathogen was a staphylococcus. Al the patients with retroseptal ocular complications underwent combination therapy consisting of surgical management and two intravenous antibiotics targeted for the etiological factor. The most frequently used antibiotics included 3rd generation cephalosporins and clindamycin. Conclusions. In children with ethmoiditis treated in a reference laryngological academic center, anteroseptal complications occurred twice as often as retroseptal complications. Most cases did not require surgical intervention.