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Published on: October 9, 2011
[Acute epiglottitis in Iceland from 1983-2005]
Birgir Briem1, Ornolfur Thorvardarson, Hannes Petersen
1Háls-, nef- og eyrnadelid, Rikshospitalet, Osló, Noregi.
Laeknabladid
|June 4, 2010
Summary
Acute epiglottitis has shifted from a childhood to an adult disease in Iceland following Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination. Streptococci are now the leading cause, with adult cases increasing and childhood cases disappearing.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Public Health Interventions
Context:
- Acute epiglottitis epidemiology in Iceland (1983-2005).
- Impact of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination on disease patterns.
- Shifting demographics and causative agents of epiglottitis.
Purpose:
- To describe epidemiological changes in acute epiglottitis in Iceland between 1983 and 2005.
- To analyze trends in age, microbiology, and treatment outcomes.
- To assess the impact of Hib vaccination on childhood and adult epiglottitis.
Summary:
- Fifty-seven epiglottitis cases were identified, with an annual incidence of 0.93/100,000.
- Childhood epiglottitis vanished post-Hib vaccination (1989); adult cases increased, with Streptococci replacing Hib as the primary pathogen.
- Mean hospital stay was 5.05 nights; 51% ICU admission, 30% airway intervention (all children <10).
Impact:
- Hib vaccination has eradicated childhood epiglottitis in Iceland.
- Current epiglottitis predominantly affects adults, with Streptococci as the main cause.
- Observation without airway intervention may be safe for mild/moderate adult cases.
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