[Update on levofloxacin in the management of acute sinusitis with risk of complications].

THE DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE BACTERIAL MAXILLARY SINUSITIS: Is based on at least two of three major criteria: sinus pain, unilateral signs, increasingly voluminous and purulent rhinorrhea. Minor criteria can also be retained for diagnosis if they persist for three days. THE NEED FOR ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY: In this diagnostic context is undeniable, similar to the situation after failure of symptomatic treatment or complication. Likewise for unilateral maxillary sinusitis due to homolateral infection of the superior dental archade or for frontal, ethmoidal, or sphemoïdal sinusities. THE MOST FREQUENTLY CAUSAL BACTERIA: Are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. For first intention treatment generally relies on beta-lactams (amoxicilin/clavulanic acid, second or third generation cephalosporins); pristinamycin may also be useful. Fluoroquinolones active against pneumococci, e.g. levofloxacin, are reserved for cases of sinusitis with risk of complications and for second line treatment after failure in patients with acute maxillary sinusitis. COMPLICATIONS OF SINUSITIS: Can result from anatomic anomalies or from infectious mechanisms such as metastasis of a locoregional infection: peri-orbital cellulitis, orbital cellulitis, thrombophlebitis of the cavernous sinus, extradural, subdural or intracerebral abscess. Three clinical trials are under way to assess efficacy in the treatment of complicated or high risk sinusitis.