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Epiglottitis: comparison of signs and symptoms in children less than 2 years old and older
J D Losek1, B A Dewitz-Zink, M Melzer-Lange
1Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Insights
This study found that the signs and symptoms of epiglottitis in children under two years old are similar to those in older children. Sore throat was more common in children aged two and older.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Epiglottitis is a serious upper airway infection in children.
- Understanding age-related clinical presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of presenting signs and symptoms of epiglottitis in children.
- To compare the clinical presentation of epiglottitis in children younger than 2 years versus those 2 years and older.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 236 children diagnosed with epiglottitis over 20 years.
- Comparison of presenting signs and symptoms between two age groups: <2 years and ≥2 years.
- Analysis of blood culture results for Haemophilus influenzae.
Main Results:
- Sore throat was the only symptom significantly more common in children aged 2 years and older (P < .01).
- 58% of patients were under 2 years old; 54% had positive blood cultures for Haemophilus influenzae.
- Clinical presentation of epiglottitis was similar across different age groups.
Conclusions:
- The clinical signs and symptoms supporting epiglottitis diagnosis are consistent in children, regardless of age.
- Early recognition of epiglottitis is vital for prompt management in all pediatric age groups.
Abstract:
A 20-year retrospective review of 236 children with epiglottitis was performed to determine the frequency of occurrence of 21 presenting signs and symptoms. To determine the association of age with clinical presentation and diagnosis of epiglottitis, the signs and symptoms of children less than 2 years old were compared with those of children 2 years of age and older. Fifty-eight children (25%) were less than 2 years old. Sore throat was the only factor significantly different in the two age groups (P less than .01), occurring more commonly in the older children. There were 128 children (54%) with blood cultures positive for Haemophilus influenzae. Analyses of patients with positive blood cultures gave similar results. The signs and symptoms that clinically support epiglottitis in children less than 2 years old are similar in older children.