A Ten Year Retrospective Review of Orbital Complications Secondary to Acute Sinusitis in Children

Acute sinusitis is most often a mild self-limiting disease. However, it may progress into severe and life threatening complications. One of the commonest being orbital complication of which visual loss is a direct consequence. In this 10 year retrospective study, the nature of orbital complication, clinical presentation and treatment modalities and outcome seen in children with acute sinusitis in a tertiary referral institute were reviewed. Of six patients, there was a case of preseptal cellulitis, 4 cases of subperiosteal abscess and one case of orbital abscess. Periorbital swelling was a common presenting feature. In 5 cases this was associated with proptosis with one case of impending optic nerve compression. The value of computed tomography and opthalmological examination as a component in the management plan is highlighted. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics but evidence of abscess collection warranted urgent surgical drainage in 5 patients, 3 being endoscopic drainage while external approach was done for the remaining 2 patients. Thus a child exhibiting orbital complication of acute sinusitis, prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential in obtaining the best outcome for the child.

Paediatric tracheostomy in Hospital University Kebangsaan Malaysia - a changing trend

Indication for pediatric tracheostomy has changed. Upper airway obstruction secondary to infectious disorders is no longer the commonest indication. The aim of this study was to establish data on indications, outcome and complications of pediatric tracheostomy. A retrospective analysis of pediatric tracheostomies carried out between March 2002 to March 2004 was done. Eighteen patients were identified. The commonest indication was prolonged ventilation (94.5%) followed by pulmonary toilet (5.5%). None was performed for upper airway obstruction. Postoperative complications were encountered in six patients (33.3%), the commonest being accidental decannulation notably in children less than six years of age. Twelve patients (66.6%) were successfully decannulated. The mortality rate was 16.6%. All death were non tracheostomy related. The commonest indication for tracheostomy was prolonged ventilation and tracheostomy in children is relatively safe despite complications.