Supraglottitis and Concurrent Hemophilus Meningitis

Abstract

Acute epiglottitis is a true pediatric emergency. The intense inflammation of the supraglottic larynx may completely obstruct the larynx within several hours. This infection is secondary to infiltration of Hemophilus influenzae type b (HIB), and 90% to 95% of patients have positive blood cultures. During this period of generalized septicemia HIB involvement of other soft tissue sites may occur. The goal of this article is to alert otolaryngologists to the possibility of extraepiglottitic HIB involvement. In particular, HIB meningitis, concurrent with supraglottitis, will be discussed. Although the overall incidence of multiple site involvement is relatively low, it is important to be aware of the possibility, since the outcome may be significantly altered.