TITLE:
Orbital Cellulitis in Children at the Ophthalmology Department of Treichville University Hospital
AUTHORS:
Abaukan Kolou Justin Konan, Liliane Fortunette Ouennebo, Cophican Arthur Urbain Dibi, Dohounrossi Maimouna Sirima, Bi Tah Epiphane Kouai, Kré Marius Adagra, Gilles Beda Appia, Kpatchingnain Kone, Kouame Luc Joel Kouassi
KEYWORDS:
Orbital Cellulitis, Child, Sinusitis, Emergency
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ophthalmology,
Vol.15 No.3,
August
29,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Orbital cellulitis is a rare but serious condition in children that usually begins locally. Its treatment must be urgent to avoid blinding or even fatal complications. Aim: To assess the clinical and etiological aspects of orbital cellulitis in children in order to improve multidisciplinary management. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the ophthalmology department of Treichville University Hospital over a period of 4 years from January 2018 to December 2022, covering patients under 15 years of age who were monitored and treated for orbital cellulitis. Results: We collected 12 orbits from 12 children. The mean age was 9.24 years, with a predominance of males (sex ratio = 1.4). The average consultation time was five days. Etiology was dominated by ethmoidomaxillary sinusitis in seven patients (58.3%). Inflammatory palpebral swelling and painful exophthalmos summarised the clinical picture. An orbital abscess was noted in 41.7% i.e. five cases. Surgical drainage was performed in half the cases (six patients), and antibiotic therapy was initiated in all patients. Conclusion: Orbital cellulitis is a potentially serious acute condition of the young, complicating neighbouring diseases. It is a medical and surgical emergency, and early multidisciplinary management improves prognosis.