ABSTRACT
We present the problem of viral croup or acute laryngotracheitis as an important respiratory issue in children that often prompts parents to seek physician consultation. Despite its frequency, there is still controversy among the medical team regarding its treatment. The problem will be defined and analyzed in-depth in terms of pathogenesis, to finally suggest a simple, clinically effective treatment than can be applied in any emergency service. We highlight the importance of epinephrine and corticosteroids in the acute treatment of these patients...
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Croup/epidemiology , Croup/prevention & control , Laryngitis/diagnosis , Laryngitis/epidemiology , Laryngitis/etiology , Laryngitis/prevention & control , Laryngitis/therapyABSTRACT
Introducción: Laringotraqueobronquitis (LTB) es una condición frecuente en niños, con escasos estudios publicados en la literatura nacional. Objetivo: Caracterizar los episodios de LTB en nuestra institución. Método: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo del 2001 al 2003. Resultados: 68 pacientes sufrieron 72 episodios de LTB. La edad promedio fue 16,5 meses, 62 por ciento eran varones. La mayoría de los ingresos ocurrieron en otoño (65 por ciento). El número de días promedio de síntomas previo al ingreso fue 2, siendo los más frecuentes estridor (85 por ciento), tos seca (78 por ciento) y fiebre (72 por ciento). La estadía promedio duró 1 día. Se identificó virus Parainfluenza en 12 de 23 inmunofluorescencias. La terapia incluyó adrenalina (100 por ciento), corticoides (96 por ciento), oxígeno (15 por ciento), salbutamol (11 por ciento) y antibióticos (11 por ciento). Las complicaciones fueron neumonía (3 por ciento) y traqueitis bacteriana (2 por ciento). Conclusión: En nuestra serie, LTB fue más frecuente en varones y menores de 2 años, con clara estacionalidad, estadías hospitalarias cortas y un bajo riesgo de complicaciones.
Subject(s)
Male , Humans , Female , Infant , Child, Preschool , Bronchitis/epidemiology , Bronchitis/virology , Croup/epidemiology , Croup/virology , Parainfluenza Virus 1, Human , Age Distribution , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Bronchodilator Agents/therapeutic use , Bronchitis/drug therapy , Chile/epidemiology , Croup/drug therapy , Epidemiology, Descriptive , Hospitalization , Nebulizers and Vaporizers , Retrospective Studies , Respiratory Sounds/etiology , SeasonsABSTRACT
This study was performed to investigate the etiologic agents, age distribution, clinical manifestations and seasonal occurrence of acute viral lower respiratory tract infections in children. We confirmed viral etiologies using nasopharyngeal aspirates in 237 patients of the ages of 15 years or younger who were hospitalized for acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) from March 1996 to February 1998 at Samsung Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea. The overall isolation rate was 22.1%. The viral pathogens identified were adenovirus (12.7%), influenza virus type A (21.1%), -type B (13.9%), parainfluenza virus type 1 (13.5%), -type 2 (1.3%), -type 3 (16.0%) and respiratory syncytial virus (21.5%). The occurrence of ALRIs was highest in the first year of life, although parainfluenza virus type 1 infection occurred predominantly in the second year of life and influenza virus caused illnesses in all age groups. The specific viruses are frequently associated with specific clinical syndromes of ALRI. The respiratory agents and associated syndromes frequently have characteristic seasonal patterns. This study will help us to estimate the etiologic agents of ALRI, and establish a program for the prevention and treatment. An annual nationwide survey is necessary to understand the viral epidemiology associated with respiratory illnesses in Korea.