Acute epiglottitis in children: management of 27 consecutive cases with nasotracheal intubation, with special emphasis on anaesthetic considerations.

Twenty-seven consecutive cases of acute epiglottitis in children were treated by nasotracheal intubation during a 25-month period. The duration of intubation averaged 44.2 hours. No mortality or morbidity occurred. Mean hospitalization was 4.5 days. Anaesthetic techniques are discussed. Ketamine is a somewhat controversial choice for these patients as it can enhance excitement, restlessness, and accidental extubation. This study reconfirms the ease of maintaining an assured airway by nasotracheal intubation in cases of acute epiglottitis.