The Clinical Symptoms and Course of Cases of Acute Epiglottitis of the Adult Patients Referred to Ahvaz Imam Khomeini Hospital during a Seven-Year Period (2008-2014)

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/2239

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Epiglottitis (an inflammation in the structures of supraglottitis that can be lifethreatening) is much more common in children. The study aimed to investigate cases of acute epiglottitis in the adult population hospitalized in Ahwaz Imam Khomeini hospital during a seven-year period. In this study the patients over 16 years old were considered as adults. Information about each patient was collected using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. A total of 19 patients with epiglottitis have been detected (36.8% female and 63.1%male). The most common clinical sign wasodynophagia( 84.21%) and least finding was leukocytosis( 5.26%). Also diabetes was the most common underlying condition. No significant difference was seen between women and men in the distribution of the underlying factors (p = 0.21; odd ratio= 0.26; confidence interval (CI) = 0.03 ± 0.2. The average duration of hospitalization was three to nine days and 42.1% of the patients were transferred to ICU. The mortality rate in these patients was only one case. Timely diagnosis along with the quick and proper treatment reduces duration of hospitalization and the need for the intervention of the airway, and mortality.

Epiglottitis; Adult; Leukocytosis; Supraglottitis