Paediatric acute epiglottitis re-visited.
BACKGROUND
Paediatric acute epiglottitis is rare in Asia. The National University Hospital in Singapore has seen only two cases of paediatric acute epiglottitis in the last 10 years. The topic is re-visited here to remind physicians of its acutely dramatic progression.


METHODS
Both boys presented with a viral prodrome which progressed within hours to life-threatening upper airway obstruction. Examination revealed an inflamed epiglottitis.


METHODS
They were successfully intubated and treated with intravenous antibiotics.


RESULTS
Both recovered uneventfully.


CONCLUSIONS
Paediatric acute epiglottitis has declined markedly in the West with widespread vaccination against HiB. In contrast, the incidence of invasive HiB disease in Asia has always been low despite limited vaccination. Clinicians must remain vigilant of the possibility of acute epiglottitis in a child with "flu".
Low
Y M
YM
Department of Otolaryngology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608. enttankk@kkh.com.sg
Leong
J L
JL
Tan
H K K
HK
D000208:Acute Disease; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002443:Ceftriaxone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004826:Epiglottitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000150:complications; D019741:Haemophilus influenzae type b / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002443:Ceftriaxone