Impact of Season on Incidence of Sinusitis-related Orbital Cellulitis

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the impact of season on the incidence of presentation to emergency departments with sinusitis-related orbital cellulitis in the United States. Methods: The National Emergency Department Sample was queried to identify cases of patients with sinusitis-related orbital cellulitis. Patient's age, location, and the month of presentation were recorded. Statistical correlations were analyzed via a dedicated software package. Results: A total of 439 patients with sinusitis-related orbital cellulitis were identified. The overall incidence was higher during the winter months (p < 0.05); while children were more likely to develop this disease during the winter (p < 0.05), season was not statistically correlated with its incidence among adults (p = 0.16). The incidence of orbital cellulitis was higher during the winter in the midwest and south regions of the United States (p < 0.05 for each region), although this correlation did not apply in the northeast and west (p = 0.60 and 0.99, respectively). Conclusions: While sinusitis incidence increases during the winter, the relationship between season and orbital cellulitis is complex and varies by age and geographic location. These findings may help to facilitate screening protocols for this disease and to define staffing issues for emergent ophthalmic care.