Introduction: Preseptal and orbital cellulitis are potentially catastrophic infections near the eye. Preseptal cellulitis is far commoner, and although it is 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 treated from January 2009 to December 2014 at the tertiary care children’s hospital. Results: 213 children were diagnoses with preseptal cellulitis during the 5-year study period of whom 60 (28%) were associated with insect bites. None of these patients presented with fever, had lower white blood cell counts, lower C-reactive protein levels and underwent less imaging (all p <0.001).
Conclusions: This study suggests that children with preseptal cellulitis associated with insect bites can be considered for oral antibiotic therapy and followed up daily by well qualified staff.
