Clinical profile and management outcome of orbital cellulitis in a tertiary care centre

Aim: To identify the etiology, clinical profile, management and outcome of cases of orbital cellulitis admitted to a tertiary care hospital during a period of 2.5 years. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of 24 patients with orbital cellulitis from January 2015 to July 2017 was conducted. The age, sex, duration of symptoms, predisposing factors, clinical findings, laboratory and radiological investigations, treatment provided and complications were recorded. Results were analysed with SPSS software. Results: Sinusitis was the source of infection in 41.7% patients, dacryocystitis, mucormycosis and unknown source in 12.5% each. Diabetes mellitus was the major comorbidity including 41.7% of patients. Cavernous sinus thrombosis developed in 25% of cases, 41.67% of patients recovered without any complications whereas 8.3% patients died. Conclusion: Orbital cellulitis is a potentially dangerous condition causing morbidity as well as mortality. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a frequent complication. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with proper antibiotics and / or timely surgical intervention can achieve good prognosis.