[Inhalation burns: apropos of 198 cases. Incidence of laryngotracheal involvement]

Inhalation burns and laryngotracheal involvement were studied in a retrospective series of 635 patients hospitalized for skin burns at the Center for Burn Treatment from January 1993 to January 1997. Inhalation burns were observed in 31.1% of the cases. Exclusive laryngeal involvement occurred in 19.6% of the inhalation burns. Both tracheobronchial and laryngeal burns were observed in 27.2%. Patients with inhalation burns also had facial burns (90.9%) and extensive (> 50%) or severe (UBS > 200) skin burns in 39.8% and 29.7% of the cases respectively. Mortality of skin burns was increased six-fold to 19.1% in patients who also had inhalation burns. Intubation was used alone in 60.1% and was followed by tracheotomy in 27.2%. The decision for tracheotomy was essentially based on the probable duration of ventilatory assistance. Tracheotomy was required in case of severe inhalation burns and the predictable duration of intubation was over 8 days. Laryngotracheal stenosis occurring after inhalation burns is complex and extensive, with great variability over time. Laryngotracheal calibration is indicated as first intention therapy.