Neonatal Stridor: Diagnosis and Management

Caring for the Child with Spina Bifida

Care for a child with spina bifida can be complex, requiring multiple specialists. Neurosurgical care centers around the initial closure or repair of the spinal defect, followed by management of hydrocephalus, symptoms of the Chiari 2 malformation, and tethered cord. This article reviews definitions and types of spina bifida, considerations surrounding the initial treatment, including fetal surgery, and the ongoing neurosurgical management of common comorbid conditions. The role of interdisciplinary care is stressed, as well as the importance of coordinated transition to adult care at an appropriate age and developmental stage.

Herpes simplex laryngitis: Comparison between pediatric and adult patients

OBJECTIVES

Infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) typically causes limited oral and genital symptoms, however HSV can also affect the larynx and result in severe aerodigestive symptoms. Due to the rarity of HSV laryngitis, the symptoms and clinical course of are not well understood. This study aims to more completely characterize HSV laryngitis in order to aid clinicians in understanding and recognition of HSV laryngitis.

METHODS

Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to identify articles relating to HSV laryngitis. Patient demographics, presenting signs and symptoms, treatment and clinical course were extracted from the selected manuscripts.

RESULTS

There were 31 studies on HSV laryngitis that identified 36 patients (17 pediatric, 19 adult). The average age for pediatric patients was 11 months (9 M, 8F) and 52 years for adults (11 M, 8F). In the pediatric population, stridor was more common at presentation in comparison to the adult population (p < .01). Adults more commonly presented with dysphagia (p = .03) and dysphonia (p < .01) Adult patients were significantly more likely to undergo tracheotomy than pediatric patients (p = .047). The mean length of inpatient hospital stay was 21.2 days in pediatric patients and 15.8 days for adult patients.

CONCLUSION

HSV laryngitis has a unique presentation in pediatrics and adults, but is nonspecific in both populations leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. HSV laryngitis is associated with significant morbidity including multi-week hospital stay and risk for needing tracheostomy in both adults and pediatric population which demonstrates need for clinical awareness of this complication of HSV infection.