Evaluation of mild periorbital cellulitis and home-based therapy in children-EPOCH study: A prospective single centre cohort study.

Background: Paediatric periorbital cellulitis is a common eye condition and warrants prompt management for the prevention of complications. International consensus on the approach to optimal management of children with mild periorbital cellulitis including ambulatory management is lacking. We aimed to prospectively investigate the safety and effectiveness of ambulatory management of children with mild periorbital cellulitis.

Methods: Over a 23-month period, we prospectively enrolled 70 children aged between 2 and 16 years who presented to the emergency department with mild periorbital cellulitis. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Eligible children were commenced on oral antibiotics and were discharged home with close outpatient ambulatory care and ophthalmology follow up. We used descriptive statistics for data presentation.

Results: Of the 70 children with mild periorbital cellulitis, 30 (43%) had unknown aetiology. Sixty-five (92%) children received a structured ambulatory follow up. Five children (7%) received inpatient parenteral antibiotics for worsening of local symptoms within 24 h of initial presentation. One child developed orbital cellulitis at follow up. There was no mortality or significant morbidity noted in this group and none of the children needed surgical intervention.

Conclusions: Ambulatory care for children with mild periorbital cellulitis is an effective and safe management strategy. This might prevent hospitalisation, reduce the burden on hospital bed occupancy and promote patient care in the community.