Complications of acute bacterial sinusitis in children

Tonsillitis and Sinusitis: A Narrative Review of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management

The review aims for a comprehensive examination of tonsillitis and sinusitis, covering their pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management, with a focus on recent breakthroughs and therapeutic practices. Tonsillitis, marked by inflammation of the tonsils, can result from viral or bacterial infections, particularly Streptococcus pyogenes, with attention to antibiotic resistance trends. This review discusses clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and the importance of distinguishing viral from bacterial causes. Therapeutic interventions like antibiotics and tonsillectomy indications are evaluated within evolving guidelines. Regarding sinusitis, it explores its origins, contributing factors, and classification based on duration and pathophysiology. Viral infections, allergens, and structural anomalies' roles in pathogenesis are highlighted. Diagnostic modalities like imaging and endoscopic exams are assessed for their efficacy in guiding management decisions. The importance of precise diagnosis through clinical examination, microbiological testing, and imaging is emphasized for informed treatment choices. This review also delves into minimally invasive surgical procedures, particularly endoscopic sinus surgery and tonsillectomy, showcasing progress in these areas. In summary, it provides insights into tonsillitis and sinusitis, offering perspectives on their aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment while integrating current research and clinical standards to enhance patient care and healthcare resource utilization.

Acute bacterial sinusitis in children: an updated review

Background

In the pediatric age group, approximately 7.5% of upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) are complicated by acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS). Despite its prevalence, ABS is often overlooked in young children. The diagnosis and management present unique challenges in primary care. This is an updated narrative review on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of ABS.

Methods

A PubMed search was performed using the key term ‘acute sinusitis’. The search strategy included clinical trials, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and reviews. The search was restricted to the English literature and children.

Results

Haemophilus influenzae (non-typeable), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are the major pathogens in uncomplicated ABS in otherwise healthy children. In complicated ABS, polymicrobial infections are common. The diagnosis of acute sinusitis is mainly clinical and based on stringent criteria, including persistent symptoms and signs of a URI beyond 10 days, without appreciable improvement; a URI with high fever and purulent nasal discharge at onset lasting for at least 3 consecutive days; and biphasic or worsening symptoms.

Conclusion

Data from high-quality studies on the management of ABS are limited. The present consensus is that amoxicillin-clavulanate, at a standard dose of 45 mg/kg/day orally, is the drug of choice for most cases of uncomplicated ABS in children in whom antibacterial resistance is not suspected. Alternatively, oral amoxicillin 90 mg/kg/day can be administered. For those with severe ABS or uncomplicated acute sinusitis who are at risk for severe disease or antibiotic resistance, oral high-dose amoxicillin-clavulanate (90 mg/kg/day) is the drug of choice.

Rhinosinusitis in children: a comparison of patients requiring surgery for acute complications versus chronic disease

BACKGROUND

Patient characteristics, risk factors, and microbiology are important to consider in the management of complications of acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) in pediatric patients. This study evaluates this subset of patients and compares them to patients that undergo surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of all pediatric patients from 2002 to 2011, who underwent sinus surgery at a tertiary hospital. Patients who underwent surgery for ABS complication were compared to patients who underwent surgery for CRS. Statistical analysis was completed using chi-square test or Fisher's exact test with a statistical significance set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients with a complication of ABS and 77 patients with CRS were analyzed. The groups did not differ demographically. Patients with a complication were statistically less likely to have seasonal allergies, prior sinusitis, prior nasal steroid use, or adenoidectomy (p<0.05). In addition, they had more frequent involvement of ethmoid and frontal sinuses (p<0.05). The most common cultures results were no growth (30.8%), Streptococcus milleri (30.8%), and normal flora (19.2%) in ABS for the with a complication group, and normal flora (41.5%), coagulase negative Staphylococcus (22%), and Propionobacterium (19.5%) for the CRS group. Most prevalent complications were preseptal cellulitis (55.5%), orbital subperiosteal abscess (29.6%), subgaleal abscess (22%), and epidural abscess (22%). Five patients had simultaneous orbital and intracranial complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who present with complications of ABS vary significantly from the CRS patients. Location of most commonly affected sinuses and microbiology also differ and is crucial for understanding the management of this disease process.

Sinus imaging for diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis in children

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a relatively common disease in children but is often overlooked because at times the clinical symptoms are subtle and nonspecific. This makes imaging very important in the diagnosis. Among the different techniques, plain radiography has limited utility,whereas CT scan and MRI have a major role in evaluating the modifications caused by the disease. In particular, a CT scan provides higher resolution of bone and soft tissue and removes the overlapping structures that are present in conventional radiography. CT is recommended in isolated sphenoid sinusitis, is essential in diagnosing fungal sinusitis, and is the technique of choice when orbital complications are suspected. MRI allows investigation of not only the morphology of structures, but their intrinsic biophysical and biochemical properties, such as water content, cellular density, lipid or blood product deposits, and fibrosis. MRI allows better soft tissue differentiation and high spatial resolution images depicting fine details. When indicated, MRI with contrast gadolinium-based agents may better characterize the local disease extension or its diffusion beyond paranasal and nasal cavities and has excellent contrast resolution. A combination of CT and MRI is useful in cases of diagnostic difficulties,especially when complications are involved.

Management of acute rhinosinusitis

Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is one of the most common reasons for physician visits and for significant school absenteeism, although precise data on its prevalence and incidence are still lacking. RS is defined as acute if there are symptoms lasting <12 wk with complete resolution. Superinfection by bacteria following a viral infection is the most important mechanism of ARS. Diagnosis of ARS should be made on clinical grounds alone. Typically, acute bacterial RS is self-limited and goes through spontaneous recovery within 4 wk. Recognizing the occurrence of bacterial superinfections of the sinuses during a common viral respiratory infection is fundamental to making the decision to start an appropriate antibiotic treatment. Topical treatments such as saline irrigation, nasal decongestants, steroids, antihistamines, and fungicides are all in widespread pediatric use, but analyzing the literature gives poor evidence of efficacy, except for topical steroids. RS is a multifactorial condition that poses a diagnostic and management challenge to infectivologist and ear-nose-throat specialists as well as to pediatricians.

Diagnosis and management of acute rhinosinusitis in children

Rhinosinusitis is a common disease in children that is often overlooked. The clinical symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis are nasal blockage or congestion, nasal discharge or postnasal drip (often mucopurulent), facial pain, headache, and reduction in/loss of smell. Direct vision by nasal fibroendoscopy may aid the diagnosis. Regarding imaging criteria, recent consensus documents state that plain sinus x-rays are of limited utility, and CT remains the technique of choice, particularly in children with complications or very persistent or recurrent infections that are unresponsive to medical management. Antibiotics are the primary form of medical treatment for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, but they should be used when acute bacterial rhinosinusitis presents as persistent or severe disease. This will minimize the number of children with uncomplicated viral upper respiratory tract infections who are treated with antimicrobials. Topical corticosteroids may reduce nasal edema and improve ostial drainage and ventilation of the sinus.