Supraglottitis and Hemophilus parainfluenzae: pathogenic potential of the organism

Aphonia and epiglottitis in neonate with concomitant MRSA skin infection

We report an unusual case of a neonate with aphonia due to epiglottitis with a concomitant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection of the genitalia and associated septic emboli to the groin area and mouth. We postulate that the MRSA infection caused a transient bacteremia that seeded the epiglottis, likely causing the epiglottitis. In the evaluation of a neonate with aphonia, while the two primary differentials to consider are vocal cord paralysis and laryngeal web, among other considerations is epiglottitis (supraglottitis).

The old and new of acute laryngotracheal infections

Laryngotracheal infections in childhood frequently result in airway obstruction, the major symptom of which is stridor. The primary aims of management are to establish a diagnosis rapidly and to maintain or secure the child's airway. Medical treatment and airway stabilization measures vary for the three most prevalent laryngotracheal infections--supraglottitis, laryngotracheitis, and bacterial tracheitis--as well as for older and newer infectious airway entities.