Treatment of Haemophilus influenzae type B epiglottitis.

Abstract

During 1969-1977, 48 children with blood cultures proved positive for Haemophilus influenzae type B epiglottitis were evaluated and treated. The fatality rate was 2%; one child died and another developed irreversible hypoxic brain damage. Ninety-five percent of the children were intubated and none required tracheostomy. The endotracheal tubes remained in place for 3.3 +/- 1.5 days. Short-term parenteral antimicrobial therapy, 4.0 +/- 1.4 days, was sufficient to eradicate bacteremia and prevent metastatic infectious foci. This report demonstrates the excellent results achieved in the treatment of epiglottitis with brief intubation and parenteral antimicrobial therapy.

• Authors: H S Faden
• Journal: Pediatrics (Pediatrics) Vol. 63 Issue 3 Pg. 402-7 (Mar 1979) ISSN: 0031-4005 [Print] United States
• PMID: 312484 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Chloramphenicol

Topics

• Airway Obstruction (therapy)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Chloramphenicol (therapeutic use)
• Epiglottis
• Female
• Haemophilus Infections (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Humans
• Infant
• Intubation, Intratracheal
• Laryngitis (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Male
• Sepsis (drug therapy)