Evaluation of moderate periorbital cellulitis and home-based therapy in children (EPOCH study, Part 2): A prospective single centre cohort study

Background: Paediatric periorbital cellulitis, a common eye condition, typically requires inpatient admission for intravenous antibiotics due to concerns about orbital spread. This study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of ambulatory management for children with moderate periorbital cellulitis. Methods: Over a 24-month period, we prospectively enrolled 84 children aged 1 to 16 years who presented with moderate periorbital cellulitis to the emergency department. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Following a guideline-based decision tree, eligible children received intravenous antibiotics and were discharged with a peripheral cannula for follow-up in ambulatory care and ophthalmology clinics. Descriptive statistics were used for data presentation. Results: Among the 84 children, 62 (73.8%) were managed through the ambulatory care model. Within the category of moderate POC, those who were admitted to the hospital did not have higher CRP or White Cell counts and received IV antibiotics for the same length of time. The ambulatory care clinic provided a total of 132 daily doses of intravenous antibiotics. Two children treated on this pathway required inpatient admission due to clinical deterioration, one of whom required ophthalmic surgical intervention. There was no mortality or sight-threatening complications in this study. Conclusions: Implementing a directed ambulatory care pathway for children with moderate periorbital cellulitis proved to be an effective and safe management strategy. This approach reduces the strain on hospital bed occupancy while promoting community-based patient care.