ACUTE EPlGLOTTlTlS IN CHILDHOOD: REPORT OF AN INCREASED INCIDENCE IN VICTORIA

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Abstract
The incidence of acute epiglottis treated in Melbourne, Australia at the Royal Children''s Hospital (RCH) increased from an average of 14 cases/yr during 1975-1979 to 49 cases/yr during 1980-81. Less marked increases occurred for Haemophilus influenzae meningitis and bacteremia and H. influenza (untyped) isolation from respiratory tract cultures. A review of 171 cases of acute epiglottitis showed no significant differences between the 1975-79 and 1980-81 patients with respect to sex, age, seasonal incidence, prodromal length, prodromal symptoms, geographical location, polymorphonuclear cell count or disease severity. Patients treated in 1980-81 had fewer complications (12% vs. 22%, P < 0.02), and a shorter hospital stay (3.0 vs. 3.3. days, P < 0.003). The increased incidence of H. influenzae type b infections may be due to an increased bacterial presence within this community.