Subglottic haemangioma in the infant: contribution by CO2 laser

The availability of the low intensity CO2 laser beam, and the possibility of defocalization that is associated with control of subglottic high frequency jet ventilation, requires a more interventionist attitude regarding dyspnoea caused by a subglottic haemangioma in the infant. It is indeed possible reliably to reduce the size of the subglottic haemangioma, and thus to avoid a lengthy period of intensive care, as well as the problems of prolonged intubation or tracheostomy for drainage, while also avoiding long term steroid therapy. This approach in no way affects the spontaneous evolution of subglottic haemangioma in the infant; there is a tendency for the haemangioma to regress after the age of one year. The treatment does, however, permit a considerable improvement in the comfort of the infant's life during this difficult period between 3 and 12 months. We illustrate this new attitude by presenting a report on four cases.