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Bacterial infections of the orbital and periorbital soft‐tissues in children
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Bacterial infections of the orbital and periorbital soft‐tissues in children

James R Spires and Richard J. H Smith
The Laryngoscope, Vol.96(7), pp.763-767
07/1986
DOI: 10.1288/00005537-198607000-00012
PMID: 3724328

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Abstract

Periorbital soft‐tissue bacterial infections are relatively common during childhood and with appropriate antimicrobial therapy usually resolve quickly. Orbital soft‐tissue infections, in contrast, are rare and frequently cause serious morbidity. Two hundred forty‐one children with periobital or orbital soft‐tissue infections have been hospitalized since 1962 and constitute the data base for this study. Two hundred twenty‐six children, half under 1 year of age, had periorbital soft‐tissue infections. Response to antimicrobials was prompt and only two children (1%) developed complications. True orbital infections occurred in the remaining 15 children, three of whom were under 6 years of age. Eleven children had orbital cellulitis, 3 had subperiosteal abscesses, and 1 had cavernous sinus thrombosis. Antecedent sinusitis was present in 12 cases and, in seven, effective treatment required surgical drainage in addition to intensive antimicrobial therapy. Three children (20%) developed significant complications.

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