Are We Over-Treating Insect Bite Related Periorbital Cellulitis in Children? The Experience of a Large, Tertiary Care Pediatric Hospital.

INTRODUCTION

Preseptal (periorbital) and orbital cellulitis are potentially catastrophic infections near the eye. Preseptal cellulitis is far more common, and although classically reported to be associated with dacrocystitis, sinusitis/upper respiratory infection, trauma/surgery, or infection from contiguous areas, it can also be associated with insect bites. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of insect bite-associated preseptal cellulitis and to compare clinical findings and outcomes of these patients with those having other causes for the condition.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of children with a final discharge diagnosis of periorbital cellulitis from January 2009 to December 2014 at a tertiary care children' hospital.

RESULTS

213 children were diagnosed with preseptal cellulitis during the 5-year study period, of whom 60 (28%) were associated with insect bites. Patients in the noninsect bite group more commonly had fever at presentation (P < 0.001), with increased white blood cell and C reactive protein values (both P < 0.001). No patient with insect bite-associated preseptal cellulitis presented with fever, and none underwent radiographic testing or computerized tomography; their mean age was also lower (P < 0.001) and length of stay was significantly shorter.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that children with preseptal cellulitis associated with insect bites could be candidates for oral antibiotic therapy with outpatient follow-up by.