Practice Patterns of Systemic Corticosteroid Use in Complicated Acute Rhinosinusitis Among Rhinologists and Pediatric Otolaryngologist

Abstract

Background

The use of systemic corticosteroids remains controversial in the treatment of orbital complications of sinusitis.

Objective

To compare and contrast the current practice patterns of the use of systemic corticosteroid in the management of orbital complications of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) among fellowship-trained members of American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) and American Rhinologic Society (ARS).

Study Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Methods

A web-based survey was electronically distributed to 497 members of ASPO and 845 members of ARS focusing on the practice habits and opinions regarding the use of systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of ABRS with orbital complications in children and adults.

Results

Survey completion rate was 19.1% among ASPO membership and 10.3% from ARS; 45% of respondents utilized steroids almost always or frequently in children and 36% of the time in adults. Most commonly reported indication for the use of steroid was vision change. Fellowship-trained pediatric otolaryngologists are 2.88 times more likely to prescribe corticosteroids for children than rhinologists (P < .02). The perceived level of evidence in the literature was split between expert opinions and cohort studies.

Conclusion

In orbital complications of ABRS, practice patterns of the use of steroid differ significantly between fellowship-trained ASPO and ARS members with respect to its use in children. Overall, corticosteroids are administered with significant frequency, although there is little actual or perceived evidence to support their safety or efficacy. In alignment of practicing evidence-based medicine, further studies are needed to guide the use of steroids in complicated ABRS with respect to timing, dosing, route, duration, and indication.