Epiglottitis: incidence of extraepiglottic infection: report of 72 cases and review of the literature.

A review of 72 cases of epiglottitis seen at the Children's Hospital of Denver was undertaken to determine the incidence of extraepiglottic and septic foci in this disease. A parallel review of the literature was also undertaken. The clinical, bacteriologic, laboratory, and radiologic findings of this patient population are described. A 25% incidence of both pneumonia and cervical lymphadenitis was found to be associated with this illness. Exudative tonsillitis and otitis media were the only other complications, although they were infrequently noted. No cases of septic arthritis or meningitis were encountered, although 50% of these patients were recognized as bacteremic. A low incidence of septic complications (eight cases of meningitis and one case of periarticular abscess) is noted in a review of the literature. Recommendations for antibiotic management and definition of the population at risk for septic complications are given.