[Orbital involvement in acute sinusitis in children].

We review the literature on orbital involvement in acute sinusitis in children. Because of the potential severity of the disease which may be life threatening a vigorous treatment is required. Hemophilus Influenzae is a major cause of orbital cellulitis followed by Staphylococcus Aureus and group A streptococcus. Because of the emergence of Ampicillin-Resistant H. Influenzae strains in Belgium, chloramphenicol should be included in the initial therapy in combination with a penicillinase resistant semisynthetic penicillin. Therapy is adjusted as soon as the results of bacterial culture are known. Surgical establishment of sinus or abscess drainage is required if the child is severely ill or failed to respond to medical treatment. A treatment protocol is proposed.