Inflammatory diseases of the larynx of infants and small children

Diagnosis and management of croup and epiglottitis

Viral croup and epiglottitis are two major inflammatory causes of airway obstruction in children. Two conditions, spasmodic croup and membranous laryngotracheobronchitis, are also frequent causes of obstruction on an inflammatory basis. Rapid diagnosis and effective management are required to ensure an uncomplicated outcome. The pharmacologic treatment, role and timing of endoscopy, and airway management principles are discussed.

The steroid-croup controversy: an analytic review of methodologic problems

The reasons for the controversy regarding the use of corticosteroids to treat croup were reviewed by evaluating nine studies for their adequacy in meeting eight methodologic standards essential for reducing bias and distortion in clinical trials. Five studies employed diagnostic criteria for croup but none stratified patients with croup into acute laryngotracheitis and spasmodic croup, the two forms which account for the large majority of cases of croup. Only four studies used adequate doses of steroids, defined as 100 mg of cortisone or an equivalent. Only two studies developed clinically relevant choices for the outcome event. Although steroids may be helpful in certain types of croup, it is impossible to reach a definite conclusion about the efficacy of steroids, since all of the studies have major inadequacies in clinical trial design.

Acute laryngeal obstruction in children. A fifty-year review

When dealing with acute laryngeal obstruction, the first important consideration is the differential diagnosis of the cause. The author considers the following six types: acute laryngotracheobronchitis, acute epiglottitis, diphtheria, supraglottic allergic edema (angioedema), subglottic allergic edema (spasmodic croup) and foreign body in the larynx or trachea. He traces the development of the treatments that have in 50 years lowered the mortality rate from 70% to practically zero. High humidity, best supplied by an ultrasonic nebulizer, antibiotics, and corticosteroids in very high dose have been the prime effective measures. There still is controversy about the choice between tracheostomy and nasotracheal intubation if medical therapy is delayed or ineffective. The primary physician must know when and where to send these children in order to prevent the fatalities so frequent in previous years.