Resumo

MARTEL V, Freddy et al. Complications of acute rhinosinusitis in children at Sótero del Río Hospital. Rev. Otorrinolaringol. Cir. Cabeza Cuello [online]. 2008, vol.68, n.1, pp. 16-20. ISSN 0718-4816.  doi: 10.4067/S0718-48162008000100003.

Introduction: Acute rhinosinusitis (RSA) is frequent in children. Although in most cases responds well to medical treatment, it could result in serious orbital and intracranial complications. Aim: To assess the frequency, describe the clinical characteristics and evaluate treatment and evolution of acute rhinosinusitis in children at Sótero del Rio hospital. Material and Method: Retrospective - descriptive study of clinical data from Sótero del Rio hospital between Jan 2002 and July 2007, involving patients with a diagnosis of complicated RSA. Results: Data from 27 patients were included in this study, all with presumptive RSA complications: 30% had isolated preseptal cellulitis, 36% had postseptal cellulitis, 26% had subperiostal abscesses, and 8% had intracranial complications. The average age of patients was 4,53 years (4 months-13 years old); 56% were males and 44% were females; hospitalization was in average 7,24 days (2 -19 days), the average number of days on antibiotic treatment was 20,2 (9 -38 days); microbiologic culture was positive in 25% of patients with surgical treatment (Staphylococcus epidermidis). None of the patients had visual complications when they were discharged from the hospital. Conclusion: The most frequent RSA complication was orbital (92% of complications), similar to what is reported in the literature. Ethmoidal, maxilar and frontal sinuses were more often involved. RSA complications presented at a slightly younger age than reported in the literature. More often males were affected, but subperiostal abscesses were more common in females. There was no direct relation between RSA seriousness and C-reactive protein or leukocitosis. Most subperiostal abscesses were medically treated; more than half of these patients were older than 9 years old. Only one patient presented both orbital and intracranial complications

Palavras-chave : Complications; acute rhinosinusitis; orbital.