Acute epiglottitis in childhood

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics, management and outcome of the children admitted to our paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for acute epiglottitis (AE). Methods. We retrospectively analysed ten children with AE treated in PICU over a period of 8 years. Results. Ten children, seven boys and three girls, were identified. The presenting symptoms were inspiratory dyspnoea in all cases, fever in nine, swallowing difficulty in three and drooling in three. None of them presented with cough. All children had an artificial airway placed and six underwent mechanical ventilation (MV). All patients received antibiotic therapy for ten days and six received also steroids as part of their treatment. Sedation was necessary for all children while on artificial airway. No complication occurred. All children recovered completely and remained in hospital for a median of 3.9 days. Conclusion. AE is a life-threatening disease of childhood. A timely and appropriate diagnosis and correct treatment of AE can significantly reduce its morbidity and mortality.