A review of periorbital cellulitis guidelines in Fifty‐One Acute Admitting Units in the United Kingdom

Periorbital cellulitis is an acute infection of the periorbital soft tissues with potential sight and life-threatening complications that most commonly occurs in children. 1 Post-septal abscess formation can cause loss of sight; furthermore, posterior spread of infection may progress to cavernous sinus thrombosis and intracranial infection.1,2 In England April 2014-March 2015, 3687 patients attended hospital with periorbital cellulitis costing the National Health Service over £9.5 million per annum before considering the cost of treating its complications.3 Management of periorbital cellulitis is complex, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall between up to three specialties: otolaryngology, ophthalmology and paediatrics (depending on the age of the patient).Otolaryngologists may aid with ascertaining the aetiology of the condition as well as providing surgical intervention.The objective of this study was to establish the current periorbital cellulitis management strategies in the United Kingdom (UK) through analysis of the prevalence of guidelines and comparison against evidence-based management.