Factors that prolong the duration of recovery in acute rhinosinusitis with orbital complications

Background: Regarding prognostic factors of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) with orbital complications, there are few studies including adult cases.

Objectives: The present study aims to delineate prognostic factors of ARS with orbital complications.

Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records of 21 patients (6 pediatric and 15 adult patients) with ARS with orbital complications. The duration of recovery was defined as the time from initial diagnosis to complete resolution of local findings and all symptoms. Orbital complications due to postoperative cysts or mycosis were excluded.

Results: Twenty-one patients comprised 11 males and 10 females. Chandler's classification showed group I in 4, group II in 8, and group III in 9. None of six pediatric patients required any surgical intervention, whereas five adult patients (23.8%) underwent surgical intervention. The average period of recovery was 8.1 days. In univariate analysis, the duration of recovery was significantly longer among adult cases (p < .01) and cases with Chandler's groups II-III (p = .019). In multivariate analysis, adult patients had a significantly longer duration of recovery than pediatric patients (p = .027).

Conclusion and significance: The present study suggested that ARS with orbital complications may have prolonged clinical course in adults.