ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Juvenile recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JRRP) is generally aggressive and with a high recurrence rate. Currently, there is no definite curative treatment for JRRP. Therefore, a greater understanding of the aspects that influence the severity and prognosis of the disease is required. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish the clinical and socioeconomic characteristics of pediatric patients with JRRP and its relationship with the severity of the disease in a tertiary care pediatric hospital. RESULTS: A strong relationship was observed between the severity of the disease and the age at the time of diagnosis, and having a tracheostomy. A moderate association was found between the severity of the disease and the age at the time of the study, the area of origin and the recurrence rate. None of the socioeconomic statuses had a correlation with the severity of the JRRP. CONCLUSIONS: JRRP is associated with multiple surgeries due to the recurrence and aggressiveness of the disease. The socioeconomic status does not seem to influence the severity of the disease, whereas younger patients and users of tracheostomy should receive a more strict follow-up given the increased risk of severe disease.
