(1030) Gender Disparities in Pediatric Orbital Cellulitis: A 15-Year Review

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate and understand the intricating nature of gender disparities in the management of orbital infections in children hospitalized for treatment.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all children aged 0 to 18 years, who had a confirmed diagnosis of pre-septal or post-septal cellulitis and who were admitted for orbital infection management to our children’s hospital over a 15 year-period, was conducted. Diagnoses were confirmed by CT scans. Data collected included patients’ demographics, tomography, endoscopy and biological findings, hospital length of stay, and treatment.

Results: A total of 124 children were identified with mean age of 7.1 years (4.9-18) and 59 (47.58%) female. Of the children, 70 (57.38%) had associated rhinosinusitis, 65 (52.42%) had post-septal cellulitis, and 19 (15.32%) had surgery. Just 5 (26.32%) female patients had surgery compared to 14 (73.68%) for male patients (Fisher’s p value = 0.037). CRP value was significantly higher in male patients (61.3) than in female patients (26.2) (p = 0.004). Mean Lund-McKay score and length of stay were not different between male or female patients (p > 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that a surgery rate, CRP level and LOS were higher in male patients.

Conclusions: This cohort showed male patients to undergo more procedures than female despite similar CT scores but with higher CRP scores. More studies to understand the intricacies of gender and pediatric orbital infections severity are warranted to optimize management of these children.