El pediatra de Atención Primaria y la laringitis aguda / Primary care pediatrician and acute laryngitis

La laringitis aguda (crup) es una enfermedad común de origen viral, que constituye la causa más frecuente de obstrucción de la vía aérea superior en la infancia. Se caracteriza por la presencia de un grado variable de tos perruna o metálica, afonía, estridor y dificultad respiratoria. La incidencia estimada es del 3-6% de niños entre 3-6 meses y 6 años, con un pico máximo en el segundo año de vida y durante el otoño y el invierno. La principal causa es el virus parainfluenza tipo 1. El diagnóstico se realiza por la clínica, tos perruna, afonía y estridor inspiratorio. No son necesarias otras exploraciones. En función de la gravedad, que estableceremos con un score clínico, pautaremos el tratamiento. El tratamiento farmacológico será a base de corticoides y adrenalina en las laringitis moderadas y graves. La dexametasona oral es el corticoide de elección en todos los casos. (AU)

Acute laryngitis/croup is a common disease of viral origin, which is the most frequent cause of upper airway obstruction in childhood. It is characterized by the presence of a variable degree of dog or metal cough, aphonia, stridor and respiratory distress. The estimated incidence is 3-6% of children between 3-6 months and 6 years, with a peak in the second year of life and during the autumn and winter. The main cause is the parainfluenza virus type 1. The diagnosis is made based on the symptoms, barking cough, hoarseness and inspiratory stridor. No other examinations are necessary. Depending on the severity, which will be objectively established with a clinical score, will the treatment be prescribed. Oral corticosteroids are the treatment of choice in all diagnosed children. Pharmacological treatment is corticosteroids and adrenaline in moderate and severe laryngitis. Oral dexamethasone is the corticosteroid of choice in all cases. (AU)

Split cricoideo anterior posterior: una novedosa técnica para evitar la traqueotomía en parálisis cordal bilateral en pacientes pediátricos / Posterior anterior cricoid split: a cutting-edge technique to avoid tracheostomy in bilateral cordal paralysis in pediatric patients

Introducción: La parálisis cordal bilateral en aducción es la segunda causa de estridor congénito y genera una grave obstrucción de la vía aérea, debutando con estridor. La traqueotomía ha sido durante mucho tiempo el gold estándar para el tratamiento de esta afección, no exenta de complicaciones. Existen procedimientos que intentan evitar la traqueotomía, como el split cricoideo anterior posterior endoscópico (SCAPE). Objetivo: Presentar experiencia con SCAPE en pacientes pediátricos como tratamiento alternativo de parálisis cordal bilateral en aducción. Material y Método: Análisis retrospectivo de los resultados quirúrgicos obtenidos en pacientes con parálisis cordal bilateral en aducción tratados con SCAPE entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2019 en el Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente de Concepción, Chile. Resultados: Siete pacientes se sometieron a SCAPE. Todos los pacientes presentaban insuficiencia respiratoria severa, cinco requirieron asistencia ventilatoria mecánica. Seis pacientes tenían el diagnóstico de parálisis cordal bilateral (PCB) congénita y uno PCB secundaria a tumor de tronco cerebral. Cuatro pacientes presentaron comorbilidad de la vía aérea: dos pacientes presentaron estenosis subglótica grado I y dos pacientes presentaron laringomalacia que requirió manejo quirúrgico. Los días promedio de intubación fueron once días. Ningún paciente requirió soporte ventilatorio postoperatorio, sólo un paciente recibió oxigenoterapia nocturna debido a hipoventilación secundaria a lesión de tronco. Ningún paciente ha presentado descompensación respiratoria grave. Un 40% ha recuperado movilidad cordal bilateral. Conclusión: Split cricoideo anteroposterior endoscópico es una alternativa eficaz para tratar el PCB en pacientes pediátricos. Nuestro estudio evidencia que es una alternativa a la traqueotomía, con excelentes resultados y menor morbimortalidad.

Introduction: Bilateral vocal fold paralysis in adduction is the second cause of congenital stridor and generates a serious obstruction of the airway. Tracheostomy has long been the gold standard for the treatment of this condition, but it has inherent complications. There are procedures that try to avoid tracheotomy, such as the endoscopic anterior posterior cricoid split (EAPCS). Aim: Present our experience with EAPCS in pediatric patients as a treatment for bilateral vocal fold paralysis in adduction. Material and Method: Retrospective analysis of the surgical results obtained in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis in adduction treated with EAPCS between January 2016 and December 2019 at Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital in Concepción, Chile. Results: Seven patients underwent EAPCS. All patients had severe respiratory failure, five required mechanical ventilation assistance. Six patients were diagnosed with congenital bilateral cord palsy (BCP) and one BCP secondary to a brainstem tumor. Four patients had airway comorbidity: two patients had grade I subglottic stenosis and two patients had laryngomalacia that required surgical management. The average days of intubation were eleven days. No patient required post op invasive/non-invasive ventilation, only one patient received nocturnal oxygen therapy due to hypoventilation secondary to trunk injury. None of the patients has presented severe respiratory decompensation. Forty percent have recovered bilateral chordal mobility. Conclusion: SCAPE is a cutting-edge and effective alternative to treat PCB in pediatric patients. Our study shows that it is an alternative to tracheotomy, with excellent results and lower morbidity and mortality.

Quiste Vallecular: Caso clínico de estridor agudo / Vallecular cyst: clinical case of acute stridor

El enfrentamiento de estridor en el Servicio de Urgencias puede ser un desafío para el clínico. La mayoría de los pacientes responderán a medidas estándar de anafilaxia, no obstante, ante pacientes refractarios a tratamiento se deben sospechar otras patologías. Presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente refractaria a manejo de anafilaxia. Se realiza videolaringoscopía que identifica quiste de vallécula y se maneja mediante protección de vía aérea con intubación orotraqueal. Se decide escisión quirúrgica, en la cual se identifica estenosis subglótica que requiere instalación de traqueostomía. La paciente evoluciona favorablemente y es dada de alta.

Coping with stridor in the Emergency Department can challenge the clinician. Most patients respond to standard anaphylaxis measures. The clinician should suspect other differential diagnoses when patients are refractory to treatment. We present the clinical case of a patient refractory to standard anaphylaxis management. A video laryngoscopy was performed, identifying a vallecula cyst. We secured the airway through orotracheal intubation. The surgical team of our hospital performed a surgical excision of the cyst and identified subglottic stenosis, which required the installation of a tracheostomy. The patient evolved favorably in the postoperative period and was discharged.

Quiste subglótico adquirido como causa inhabitual de estridor en pediatría. Revisión de la literatura a propósito de un caso / Subglottic cyst as an unusual cause of stridor in pediatric patients. Literature review and case report

El estridor corresponde a un signo altamente frecuente, sin embargo, es heterogéneo e inespecífico. Existen múltiples causas conocidas y manejadas por el otorrinolaringólogo. Los quistes subglóticos constituyen una entidad infrecuente de estridor en pediatría, siendo la población más frecuentemente afectada, niños con antecedentes de prematurez e intubación por períodos prolongados. Su manifestación clínica es variada, desde cuadros asintomáticos a pacientes con riesgo inminente de pérdida de la vía aérea. El diagnóstico suele ser tras largos períodos desde el antecedente de intubación. Su resolución suele ser quirúrgica, teniendo como principal complicación asociada la estenosis subglótica y las recurrencias. Se presenta el caso de una preescolar con un episodio de estridor y distrés respiratorio rápidamente progresivos, cuyo diagnóstico intraoperatorio resultó en quistes subglóticos submucosos bilaterales, que requirieron resolución quirúrgica.

Stridor corresponds to a highly frequent sign; however, it is heterogeneous and nonspecific. There are multiple causes that are widely known and managed by the otorhinolaryngolo-gist. Subglottic cysts are an infrequent entity of stridor in pediatric patients, where the most frequently affected population are childrens with history of prematurity and intubation for long periods. It's clinical manifestations are wide, from asymptomatic cases to patients with imminent risk of airway loss. Their manifestation its often after long periods after the moment of intubation. The management often involves surgery, and the main associated complication is subglottic stenosis and recurrences. We present the case of a preschool girl with an episode of rapidly progressive stridor and respiratory distress; whose intraoperative diagnosis was bilateral subglottic submucosal cysts that required surgical resolution.

Algoritmo para el manejo de la obstrucción laríngea en pediatría / Algorithm for the management of laryngeal obstruction in pediatrics

La laringe se localiza en la encrucijada aerodigestiva; cualquier patología que la comprometa tendrá repercusión en la respiración, la deglución y/o la voz. Se divide en tres regiones: la supraglotis (comprende la epiglotis, las bandas ventriculares y los ventrículos laríngeos), la glotis (espacio limitado por las cuerdas vocales) y la subglotis (zona más estrecha de la vía aérea pediátrica y único punto rodeado en su totalidad por cartílago: el anillo cricoides). La obstrucción laríngea se puede presentar como una condición aguda potencialmente fatal o como un proceso crónico. El síntoma principal es el estridor inspiratorio o bifásico. La etiología varía mucho según la edad y puede ser de origen congénito, inflamatorio, infeccioso, traumático, neoplásico o iatrogénico. Se describen las patologías que ocasionan obstrucción laríngea con más frecuencia o que revisten importancia por su gravedad, sus síntomas orientadores para el diagnóstico presuntivo, los estudios complementarios y el tratamiento.

The larynx is at the aerodigestive crossroads; any pathology that involves it will have an impact on breathing, swallowing and/or the voice. It`s divided into three regions: supraglottis (includes epiglottis, ventricular bands and laryngeal ventricles), glottis (space limited by the vocal cords) and subglottis (narrowest area of pediatric airway and the only point of larynx completely surrounded by cartilage: the cricoid ring). Laryngeal obstruction can present as a potentially fatal acute condition or as a chronic process. The main symptom is inspiratory or biphasic stridor. The etiology varies widely according to age and it may be of congenital, inflammatory, infectious, traumatic, neoplastic or iatrogenic origin. We describe the pathologies that cause laryngeal obstruction, either those that occur very often or those which are important for their severity, their guiding symptoms to the presumptive diagnosis, additional studies and treatment.

Manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico de un quiste de vallécula en un lactante

Resumen Los quistes laríngeos, y en particular los quistes de vallécula, son una entidad infrecuente en la práctica clínica habitual. Sin embargo, su localización y aparición en neonatos y lactantes, pueden suponer una causa reconocida de estridor y obstrucción de vía aérea superior que, si no es diagnosticada y tratada de forma precoz, puede tener consecuencias fatales. Presentamos el caso de un lactante que presenta estridor inspiratorio. Se realiza una nasofibrolaringoscopía observándose una formación quística en la vallécula, y una ecografía cervical que muestra dicha formación quística sugerente de un quiste del conducto tirogloso como primera posibilidad etiológica. Ante estos hallazgos, se solicitan pruebas tiroideas y una gammagrafía que son normales, por lo que se decide intervenir al paciente bajo laringoscopia en suspensión, realizando una marsupialización del quiste, sin complicaciones posteriores. El análisis histopatológico posterior confirmó el diagnóstico de un quiste de vallécula. Se debe considerar esta patología en los casos de estridor inspiratorio en lactantes ya que, aunque es infrecuente, su diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento adecuado son determinantes.

Abstract Laryngeal cysts, and especially vallecular cysts, are a rare entity in everyday clinical practice. Nevertheless, their location and the fact that they appear in newborns and infants, must be recognized as a cause of stridor and upper airway obstruction, since their misdiagnosis and late treatment can have fatal consequences. We present the case of an infant with inspiratory stridor. We performed a nasofibrolaryngoscopy where a vallecular cystic lesion was observed, and a neck ultrasound showed a cyst, described as a thyroglossal duct cyst, as the main etiology. Thyroid function tests and a gammagraphy, were both normal, hence the patient underwent a suspension microlaryngoscopy and marsupialization of the cyst, without further complications. The histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a vallecular cyst. This entity must be considered in infants with inspiratory stridor. Although it is a rare lesion, its early diagnosis and adequate management is crucial.

El niño con estridor persistente / The child with persistent stridor

El estridor es un ruido respiratorio anormal generado por obstrucción o colapso de la vía aérea laringotraqueal, de manera aguda o de evolución crónica. Existen distintas causas tanto congénitas como adquiridas capaces de producir dificultad respiratoria, que puede llegar a ser grave y con potencial riesgo vital. El diagnóstico clínico del paciente con estridor persistente debe ser complementado con un estudio endoscópico de la vía aérea y en ocasiones con imágenes, para intentar determinar el o los sitios comprometidos y posibles malformaciones asociadas. La indicación de tratamiento debe ser individualizada, considerando el estado general del paciente, las etiologías responsables, el im pacto sobre la respiración y la deglución, el pronóstico y la capacidad técnica del equipo tratante, entre otras. Las alternativas pueden incluir observación, medidas no farmacológicas, medicamentos locales o sistémicos, procedimientos endoscópicos, cirugías abiertas, o bien la instalación de una traqueostomía de manera temporal o como manejo definitivo. El objetivo de esta revisión es entregar un adecuado conocimiento de la fisiopatología y la etiopatogenia del estridor pediátrico persistente, fundamental para el correcto manejo de estos pacientes complejos, que debiera realizarse idealmente en un contexto multidisciplinario.

Stridor is an abnormal respiratory sound caused by obstruction or collapse of the laryngotracheal airway, either acutely or chronically. There are different causes, both congenital and acquired, that can produce shortness of breath which may be severe and potentially life-threatening. The clini cal diagnosis must be complemented with an endoscopic airway assessment and sometimes with imaging, to try to determine the areas involved and possible associated malformations. Treatment should be individualized, considering the patient's overall condition, stridor etiology, its impact on breathing and swallowing, prognosis, and technical capacity of the managing team, among others. Alternatives may include observation, non-pharmacological measures, local or systemic medications, endoscopic and open surgeries, or a temporary or long-term tracheostomy. A thorough understan ding of the pathophysiology and etiopathogenesis of persistent pediatric stridor is essential for the correct management of these complex patients, ideally in a multidisciplinary manner.

Accuracy of stridor-based diagnosis of post-intubation subglottic stenosis in pediatric patients / Precisão do diagnóstico de estenose subglótica pós-intubação com base em estridorem pacientes pediátricos

Abstract Objective To assess the accuracy of stridor in comparison to endoscopic examination for diagnosis of pediatric post-intubation subglottic stenosis. Method Children who required endotracheal intubation for >24 h were included in this prospective cohort study. Children were monitored daily and underwent flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy after extubation. Those with moderate-to-severe abnormalities underwent another examination 7-10 days later. If lesions persisted or symptoms developed, laryngoscopy under general anesthesia was performed. Patients were assessed daily for stridor after extubation. Results A total of 187 children were included. The incidence of post-extubation stridor was 44.38%. Stridor had a sensitivity of 77.78% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 51.9-92.6) and specificity of 59.18% (95% CI: 51.3-66.6) in detecting subglottic stenosis. The positive predictive value was 16.87% (95% CI: 9.8-27.1), and the negative predictive value was 96.15% (95% CI: 89.9-98.8). Stridor persisting longer than 72 h or starting more than 72 h post-extubation had a sensitivity of 66.67% (95% CI: 41.2-85.6), specificity of 89.1% (95% CI: 83.1-93.2), positive predictive value of 40.0% (95% CI: 23.2-59.3), and negative predictive value of 96.07% (95% CI: 91.3-98.4). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.65-0.91). Conclusions Absence of stridor was appropriate to rule out post-intubation subglottic stenosis. The specificity of this criterion improved when stridor persisted longer than 72 h or started more than 72 h post-extubation. Thus, endoscopy under general anesthesia can be used to confirm subglottic stenosis only in patients who develop or persist with stridor for more than 72 h following extubation.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a precisão do estridor em comparação com o exame endoscópico no diagnóstico de estenose subglótica pós-intubação em crianças. Método Foram incluídas neste estudo de coorte prospectivo crianças que necessitaram de intubação endotraqueal por mais de 24 horas. Elas foram monitoradas diariamente e submetidas à nasofibrolaringoscopia flexível após a extubação. As crianças com anomalias moderadas foram submetidas a outro exame sete a 10 dias depois. Caso as lesões persistissem ou os sintomas evoluíssem, a laringoscopia era realizada com anestesia geral. Os pacientes foram avaliados diariamente quanto ao estridor após a extubação. Resultados Participaram 187 crianças. A incidência de estridor após a intubação foi de 44,38%. O estridor apresentou uma sensibilidade de 77,78% (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC]: 51,9-92,6) e especificidade de 59,18% (IC: 51,3-66,6) na detecção de SGS. O valor preditivo positivo foi de 16,87% (IC: 9,8-27,1) e o valor preditivo negativo (VPN) foi de 96,15% (IC: 89,9-98,8). O estridor que persistiu por mais de 72 horas ou que começou 72 horas após a extubação teve uma sensibilidade de 66,67% (IC: 41,2-85,6), especificidade de 89,1% (IC: 83,1-93,2), valor preditivo positivo de 40,0% (IC: 23,2-59,3) e valor preditivo negativo de 96,07% (IC: 91,3-98,4). A área sob a curva de característica de operação do receptor (ROC) foi de 0,78 (IC: 0,65-0,91). Conclusões A ausência de estridor foi adequada para descartar a estenose subglótica pós-intubação. A especificidade desse critério melhorou quando o estridor perdurou por mais de 72 horas ou começou mais de 72 horas após a extubação. Assim, a endoscopia com anestesia geral pode ser utilizada para confirmar a estenose subglótica somente em pacientes que desenvolveram ou continuaram com estridor por mais de 72 horas após a extubação.

Accuracy of stridor-based diagnosis of post-intubation subglottic stenosis in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of stridor in comparison to endoscopic examination for diagnosis of pediatric post-intubation subglottic stenosis. METHOD: Children who required endotracheal intubation for >24h were included in this prospective cohort study. Children were monitored daily and underwent flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy after extubation. Those with moderate-to-severe abnormalities underwent another examination 7-10 days later. If lesions persisted or symptoms developed, laryngoscopy under general anesthesia was performed. Patients were assessed daily for stridor after extubation. RESULTS: A total of 187 children were included. The incidence of post-extubation stridor was 44.38%. Stridor had a sensitivity of 77.78% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 51.9-92.6) and specificity of 59.18% (95% CI: 51.3-66.6) in detecting subglottic stenosis. The positive predictive value was 16.87% (95% CI: 9.8-27.1), and the negative predictive value was 96.15% (95% CI: 89.9-98.8). Stridor persisting longer than 72h or starting more than 72h post-extubation had a sensitivity of 66.67% (95% CI: 41.2-85.6), specificity of 89.1% (95% CI: 83.1-93.2), positive predictive value of 40.0% (95% CI: 23.2-59.3), and negative predictive value of 96.07% (95% CI: 91.3-98.4). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.65-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: Absence of stridor was appropriate to rule out post-intubation subglottic stenosis. The specificity of this criterion improved when stridor persisted longer than 72h or started more than 72h post-extubation. Thus, endoscopy under general anesthesia can be used to confirm subglottic stenosis only in patients who develop or persist with stridor for more than 72h following extubation.

Esteroides en extubación: ¿A quién? ¿Cómo? ¿Cuándo? / Steroids post-extubation: Who? How? When? / Esteróides na extubação: quem? Como e quando?

Resumen: El fracaso en la extubación es una complicación de alto riesgo para los pacientes en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. El edema laríngeo y el estridor laríngeo han sido estudiados como causas que propician el fracaso en la extubación. Parte de las estrategias para la prevención del fracaso en la extubación y el manejo del estridor o edema laríngeo es el uso de esteroides. La discrepancia entre el tiempo, la dosis, el paciente candidato y el tipo de esteroide obligan a crear una propuesta que estandarice su utilización. La presente revisión se enfoca en identificar a aquellos pacientes que se benefician del uso de esteroides, el tipo de esteroide que se debe utilizar, el momento y la dosis correcta.

Abstract: Post-extubation failure is a high risk complication for patients in intensive care unit. Laryngeal edema and laryngeal stridor have been studied as causes of post-extubation failure. Part of the strategies for the prevention of post-extubation failure and management of stridor or laryngeal edema is the use of steroids. The discrepancy between the time, the dos, the patient and the type of steroid forces to create a strategy that standardizes its use. This review focuses on identify patients who benefit from the use of steroids, type of steroid that should be uses, timing and correct dose.

Resumo: O fracasso na extubação é uma complicação de alto risco para pacientes em unidades de terapias intensivas. O edema e o estridor laríngeo foram estudados como causas que propician a falha na extubação. Parte das estratégias para prevenção da falha na extubação e manejo do estridor ou edema laríngeo é o uso de esteróides. A discrepância entre o tempo, a dose, o paciente candidato e o tipo de esteróide nos obriga a criar uma proposta padrão de utilização. A presente revisão se concentra em identificar os pacientes que são beneficiados com o uso de esteróides, o tipo de esteróide que deve ser usado, o momento e a dose correta.

Traqueomalacia pediátrica / Pediatric tracheomalacia

RESUMEN La malacia de la vía aérea central puede afectar la tráquea y/o los bronquios, haciéndola susceptible al colapso de sus paredes durante el ciclo respiratorio. Puede clasificarse como primaria o secundaria y clínicamente se manifiesta por síntomas respiratorios recurrentes o persistentes (especialmente en espiración), infecciones recurrentes y en casos severos, episodios de hipoventilación con cianosis. El diagnóstico se establece mediante broncoscopía flexible o rígida. Los estudios de imágenes se consideran complementarios, siendo especialmente útiles en casos de duda diagnóstica, estudio de causas secundarias o para la planificación preoperatoria. Su tratamiento depende de distintos factores como la severidad de los síntomas, su etiología, ubicación y extensión. En casos leves, una observación activa y tratamiento médico en espera de la resolución espontánea en los primeros 2 años, suelen ser suficientes. En casos moderados, la ventilación a presión positiva podría ser de utilidad. En casos severos está indicado el tratamiento quirúrgico, mediante distintas técnicas que buscan dar soporte a la estructura traqueobronquial debilitada, incluyendo traqueostomía, suspensiones directas (traqueopexias) o indirectas (aortopexia), tutores externos o stents intraluminales. En este articulo se revisarán las principales causas y tratamientos disponibles para la traqueomalacia pediátrica. Ya que su diagnóstico y manejo son complejos, es fundamental el trabajo de equipos médicos multidisciplinarios familiarizados con esta patología.

ABSTRACT Central airway malacia can affect the trachea and/or the main bronchi, making their walls susceptible to collapse during the respiratory cycle. It can be classified as primary or secondary, and clinically presents with recurrent or persistent respiratory symptoms (especially on expiration), recurrent infections and in severe cases, episodes of hypoventilation with cyanosis. The diagnosis is established by flexible or rigid bronchoscopy; imaging studies are considered as complementary, especially in cases of unclear diagnosis, secondary causes or for preoperative planning. Treatment depends on different factors such as the severity of the symptoms, their etiology, location and extension. In mild cases, active observation and medical treatment waiting for spontaneous resolution may be enough, which usually occurs in the first 2 years of age. In moderate cases, positive pressure ventilation could be useful. In severe cases, surgical treatment is indicated. Different techniques aiming to provide support to the weakened tracheobronchial structures are available, including tracheostomy, direct (tracheopexies) or indirect suspensions (aortopexy), external splints and intraluminal stents. In this article we present the main etiologies and available treatments for pediatric tracheomalacia. Given that diagnosis and management of these patients is complex, the work of multidisciplinary teams familiar with this pathology is of paramount importance.

Epiglotitis por Haemophilus influenzae tipo b en la era de la vacunación: caso clínico pediátrico / Epiglottitis due to Haemophilus influenzae type b in the vaccination era: pediatric clinical case

La epiglotitis aguda infecciosa es infrecuente en la actualidad, debido a la vacunación contra su principal agente etiológico, el Haemophilus influenzae b. Se requiere alto índice de sospecha ante el cuadro clínico de dificultad respiratoria, estridor, disfonía y fiebre. Se presenta a un niño de 2 años, previamente sano, con esquema de vacunas completas, con dificultad respiratoria aguda y estridor laríngeo, en el que, al momento de realizar la intubación, se realizó el diagnóstico de epiglotitis aguda. Con hemocultivos positivos para Haemophilus influenzae b, cumplió 13 días de tratamiento con ceftriaxona, con hemocultivos de control y cultivo de líquido cefalorraquídeo negativo.

Acute infectious epiglottitis is infrequent at present due to vaccination for its main etiologic agent, Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib). It must be taken into account when we make a differential diagnosis in a child whose clinical symptoms are respiratory distress, stridor, dysphonia and fever. We report a 2-year-old child, previously healthy, whose vaccination calendar was complete, and whose clinical presentation included respiratory distress and stridor; at the moment of the intubation the laryngoscopy showed an acute epiglottitis. Blood cultures were taken, which were positive for Hib. He was treated with ceftriaxone during 13 days, and the control blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid were negative.

Diámetro de la columna de aire de cuerdas vocales como predictor de estridor laríngeo postextubación / Diameter of the vocals cord air column as a laryngeal stridor predictor post-extubation / Diâmetro da coluna de ar das cordas vocais como predictor do estridor laringeo pós-extubação

Resumen: Objetivo: Correlacionar la presencia de estridor laríngeo con el diámetro de la columna de aire de cuerdas vocales a través de ultrasonido de vía aérea en pacientes intubados en UCI. Material y métodos: Descriptivo. Se midió el diámetro de la columna de aire de cuerdas vocales con ultrasonido lineal en pacientes con weaning, se tomaron cinco grupos de acuerdo con el diámetro: < 5 mm, 5.1-5.5 mm, 5.5-6.0 mm, 6.1-6.4 y > 6.5 mm. Se observó la presencia o la ausencia de estridor laríngeo. Se realizó análisis estadístico tipo frecuencias y porcentajes, con variables de tipo cuantitativo se determinaron medidas de tendencia central, media, moda y desviación estándar. Resultados: Se incluyeron 30 pacientes, la media de edad fue de 39.5 años, una desviación estándar de 18.666, 78.6% de los pacientes permaneció intubado por un periodo de 2-5 días, 83.3% tuvo extubación exitosa, cinco fracasaron a la extubación, dos de ellos por estridor laríngeo, que correspondió a 6.7% con un diámetro de 5.1-5.5 mm., Pearson 0.48. Conclusiones: La medición del diámetro de la columna de aire de cuerdas vocales es una herramienta útil para el médico intensivista como predictor de estridor laríngeo postextubación.

Abstract: Objective: To correlate the presence of laryngeal stridor with the diameter of the vocal cord air column through airway ultrasound in patients intubated in the ICU. Material and methods: Descriptive. The diameter of the vocal cord air column was measured with linear ultrasound in weaning patients, five groups were taken according to the diameter: < 5 mm, 5.1-5.5 mm, 5.5-6.0 mm, 6.1-6.4 and > 6.5 mm. The presence or absence of laryngeal stridor was observed. Statistical analysis was carried out, such as frequencies and percentages, with variables of a quantitative type, measures of central tendency, mean, mode, and standard deviation were determined. Results: Thirty patients were included, the mean age was 39.5 years, a standard deviation of 18.666, 78.6% of the patients remained intubated for a period of 2-5 days, 83.3% presented successful extubation, five presented failure to extubation, two of them due to laryngeal stridor, which corresponded to 6.7% with a diameter of 5.1-5.5 mm., Pearson 0.48. Conclusions: The measurement of the diameter of the vocal cord air column is a useful tool for the intensivist physician as a predictor of laryngeal stridor after extubation.

Resumo: Objetivo: Correlacionar a presença de estridor laríngeo com o diâmetro da coluna aérea das cordas vocais por meio de ultrassonografia das vias aéreas em pacientes intubados na UTI. Material e métodos: Descritivo. O diâmetro da coluna de ar das cordas vocais foi medido com ultrassonografia linear em pacientes com desmame ventilatório. 5 grupos foram selecionados de acordo com o diâmetro: < 5 mm, 5.1-5.5 mm, 5.5-6.0 mm, 6.1-6.4 e > 6.5 mm. Observou-se a presença ou ausência de estridor laríngeo. Realizou-se análise estatística tipo frequências e porcentagens, com variáveis de tipo quantitativo, foram determinadas medidas de tendência central, média, moda e desvio padrão. Resultados: Foram incluídos 30 pacientes, a média de idade foi de 39.5 anos, um desvio padrão de 18.666, 78.6% dos pacientes permaneceram intubados por um período de 2-5 dias, 83.3% apresentaram sucesso na extubação, 5 apresentaram falha na extubação, 2 deles por estridor laríngeo, correspondendo a 6.7% com diâmetro de 5.1 a 5.5 mm. Pearson 0.48. Conclusão: A medida do diâmetro da coluna aérea das cordas vocais é uma ferramenta útil para o médico intensivista como preditor de estridor laríngeo após a extubação.

Paediatric bilateral vocal cord paralysis: our experience. / Parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales en pediatría: nuestra experiencia.

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP) is the second most common cause of neonatal stridor. The aim of this study was to describe the demographic features, aetiology, comorbidities, and management of our patients with BVCP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the clinical charts of all patients diagnosed with BVCP seen at the Department of Respiratory Endoscopy between 2011 and 2015. RESULTS: 47 patients were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 1 month and male sex predominated (63%). The aetiology was congenital in 59% and acquired in 41% of the infants. The cause was most frequently idiopathic in the former group and secondary to postoperative injury in the latter. Overall, 42 patients (89%) required tracheostomy, without statistically significant differences between the causes. Of all the patients, 39% regained vocal-cord mobility; 44% of those with congenital BVCP, 31% of those with acquired BVCP and 62.5% with idiopathic BVCP. In five patients a laryngotracheoplasty was performed with a posterior costal cartilage graft and one underwent posterior cordectomy. All were decannulated. In one patient vocal-cord lateralization was performed, avoiding tracheostomy. CONCLUSION: BVCP was most commonly of congenital cause and was mainly idiopathic within this group of patients, with a slight male preponderance. A high percentage of patients required tracheostomy. A higher recovery rate of vocal-cord mobility was observed in idiopathic BVCP, which allowed for successful decannulation. In this series, decannulation was possible in all patients that underwent surgery; however, further studies with comparison of techniques and objective assessment of swallowing and phonation are necessary.

Amiloidosis laríngea: a propósito de un caso / Laryngeal amyloidosis: a case report

RESUMEN La amiloidosis es una enfermedad poco frecuente, de etiología desconocida, caracterizada por la presencia de depósitos extracelulares de proteínas fibrilares en diversos órganos y tejidos, teniendo una amplia gama de manifestaciones clínicas según localización y tamaño de los depósitos. En cabeza y cuello, el sitio de presentación más frecuente es la laringe. Suele presentarse con disfonía y/o disnea progresiva, cuyo tratamiento definitivo, sin estar estandarizado, suele ser la resección quirúrgica. Se presenta a continuación el caso de un paciente de 78 años, con historia de disnea en reposo y estridor laríngeo leve de 6 meses de evolución, cuya nasofibroscopía evidenció una masa subglótica, determinando lumen crítico de vía aérea superior. Biopsia reveló amiloidosis, siendo tratado de manera exitosa con exéresis tumoral vía laringoscopía directa.

ABSTRACT Amyloidosis is a rare disease of unknown etiology, characterized by the presence of extracellular acumulations of fibrillar proteins in a variety of organs and tissues, with a wide range of clinical manifestations depending on the location and size of the deposits. In head and neck, the most common site of presentation is the larynx. It usually presents with dysphonia and / or progressive dyspnea, whose definitive treatment, without being standardized, is usually surgical resection. A case of a 78-year-old patient with a history of dyspnea at rest and mild laryngeal stridor of 6 months of evolution is presented, whose nasofibroscopy showed a subglottic mass at the cricoid level, determining a critical upper airway lumen. Biopsy revealed extensive amyloidosis of the upper respiratory tract mucosa, being successfully treated with tumoral excision under direct laryngoscopy.

Estridor persistente / Persistent stridor

Stridor is a musical, often high-pitched sound produced by a rapid, turbulent flow of air through a narrowed segment of the large airways. The cause of stridor can be located anywhere in the extrathoracic airway (nose, pharynx, larynx, and trachea) or the intrathoracic airway (tracheobronchial tree). Stridor may be acute (caused by inflammation/infection or foreign body inhalation) or chronic. It may be congenital or acquired. Various congenital and acquired disorders prevail in neonates, infants, children, and adolescents, and need to be distinguished. Medical history and age of the child, together with physical examination, often allow a presumptive diagnosis. Further tests may be necessary to establish a definite diagnosis, and flexible airway endoscopy is the diagnostic procedure of choice in most circumstances

Estridor es un sonido musical, de alta frecuencia, generado por el paso de un flujo de aire turbulento en zonas con calibre disminuido de la vía aérea de mayor tamaño.La causa del estridor puede estar localizado en cualquier lugar de la vía aérea extratorácica (nariz, faringe, laringe y tráquea) o la vía aérea intratorácica (árbol traqueobronquial). El estridor puede ser agudo (causado por inflamación/infección o aspiración de cuerpos extraños) o crónica. Puede ser congénita o adquirida. Varios trastornos congénitos y adquiridos prevalecen en neonatos, lactantes, niños y adolescentes, y tienen que ser distinguidos. La historia clínica, edad del niño y examen físico a menudo permiten un diagnóstico presuntivo. Puede requerirse mayor estudio para establecer un diagnóstico definitivo, y la endoscopia flexible de la vía aérea es el procedimiento diagnóstico de elección en la mayoría de las circunstancias

Rare chronic stridor: Case report and literature review / Estridor de extraña duración: reporte de caso y revisión

Abstract This paper reports the case of a toddler with chronic stridor of four months of evolution, treated several times by micro-nebulization (MNB) with beta 2, adrenergics, O2 and corticosteroids with partial improvement. The patient did not have complementary studies nor a clear history of foreign body aspiration (FB). During the last visit to the ER, a neck X-ray revealed a stippling sign in the upper airway. A bronchoscopy was performed, and a sharp foreign body (fishbone) was found in the upper airway, which was subsequently removed. This case is reported due to the unusual evolution of the foreign body in the upper airway, which manifested as a chronic stridor that resolved without further complications.

Resumen Se presenta el caso de una paciente prescolar con estridor crónico de 4 meses de evolución, tratada varias veces mediante micronebulizaciones (MNB) con beta 2, adrenérgicos, O2 y corticoides con mejoría parcial, sin estudios complementarios ni antecedentes claros de atoramiento con cuerpo extraño (CE). Además, se realizó una radiografía de cuello (Rx) que reveló la presencia de imagen en punta de lápiz traqueal y una broncoscopia que comprobó la existencia de un cuerpo extraño puntiagudo (espina de pescado) en la vía aérea superior. Este caso se reportó por su inusual presentación, pues es un CE en la vía aérea superior que se manifestó con estridor crónico, sin mayores complicaciones.

Supraglotoplastía láser en laringomalacia severa / Laser supraglottoplasty for severe laryngomalacia

Introducción: La laringomalacia es la causa más frecuente de estridor en lactantes, representando el 60%-70% de los defectos congénitos laríngeos. Entre 10%-20% de estos pacientes puede requerir tratamiento quirúrgico. Objetivo: Revisar las manifestaciones clínicas y los resultados de las supragloto-plastías en laringomalacia severa en nuestro hospital durante 2015. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo mediante revisión de fichas clínicas de pacientes sometidos a supraglotoplastía en el Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente de Concepción en 2015. Resultados: Se intervinieron 11 pacientes siendo el promedio de edad, al momento de la cirugía, de 7,3 meses. Todos los pacientes tenían dificultad para alimentarse y el 45% además cianosis con la alimentación y el llanto, desaturaciones y pausas respiratorias. Cuatro casos portaban anomalías congénitas asociadas y el 73% presentó lesiones concomitantes de vía aérea, principalmente estenosis subglótica (64%). Los tipos morfológicos observados de laringomalacia fueron los tipos I y II con 27% y 73%, respectivamente. La tasa de éxito quirúrgico fue de 91%, sin necesidad de revisiones y no se presentaron complicaciones relacionadas al procedimiento. Conclusiones: La supraglotoplastía con láser es una técnica segura y efectiva para el tratamiento de laringomalacia severa. Los pacientes con laringomalacia severa debiesen ser sometidos a una revisión completa de vía aérea para evaluar otras comorbilidades.

Introduction: Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of stridor in infants, accounting for 60%-70% of laryngeal congenital defects. Between 10% to 20% of these patients may require surgical treatment. Aim: To review the clinical manifestations and outcomes of supraglottoplasties in severe laryngomalacia at our hospital during 2015. Material and method: Retrospective medical record review of children that underwent CO2 laser supraglottoplasty at Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente in Concepcion during 2015. Results: Eleven patients were included in this study, the average age at the time of surgery was 7.3 months. All the patients had stridor associated with feeding difficulty and 45% of them also had cyanosis with feeding and crying, desaturations and respiratory pauses. Four cases had associated congenital anomalies and 73% of the patients had airway comorbidity, mostly subglottic stenosis (64%). All of ourpatients had types I and II laryngomalacia with 27% and 73%, respectively. The success rate of surgery was 91%, no patients required a revision supraglottoplasty and there were no complications related to the procedure. Conclusions: CO2 laser supraglottoplasty proved to be a safe and effective treatment for severe laryngomalacia. Patients with severe laryngomalacia should undergo a full airway revision under general anesthesia to assess airway comorbidity.

Quiste de vallécula como causa de estridor congénito: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Vallecula cyst as a cause of congenital stridor: case report and literature review

El quiste de vallécula congénito es una malformación de vía aérea poco frecuente que se manifiesta principalmente con estridor laríngeo y que puede plantear problemas diagnósticos y terapéuticos complejos, a menudo en situaciones de riesgo vital. Se presenta el caso de un recién nacido de pretérmino (RNPT) de 36 semanas pequeño edad gesta-cional (PEG), portador de un estridor laríngeo congénito y mal incremento pondoestatural que en relación a una infección respiratoria baja, presentó empeoramiento del estridor laríngeo a los 48 días de edad cronológica. Por insuficiencia respiratoria aguda requirió de intubación orotraqueal que no resultó dificultosa. La extubación fue fallida por presentar estridor inspiratorio franco. La nasofibroscopía demostró una lesión de aspecto quístico en base de lengua que desplazaba la epiglotis hacia posterior obstruyendo parcialmente el lumen de la vía aérea. Por laringoscopía directa se realizó marsupialización. Se realiza la revisión bibliográfica y se analiza el caso y su tratamiento.

Congenital vallecular cyst is a rare airway malformation mainly manifested by laryngeal stridor and could generate complex diagnostic and therapeutic problems, often in life-threatening situations. We present the case of a pre-term newborn of 36 weeks small for gestational age, who at 48 days of chronological age showed worsening of a congenital laryngeal stridor in the context of a lower respiratory tract infection associated to low weight gain from birth. For reasons of acute respiratory failure, orotracheal intubation was executed which was not difficult. Extubation was failed because the child presents significant inspiratory stridor. Nasofibroscopy showed a cystic lesion of the tongue base that pushed backward the epiglottis obstructing partially the airway lumen. Marsupialization was performed by direct laryngoscopy. A Bibliographic review was done and the case and its treatment are discuss.

[Stridor in neonates with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy subject to selective cerebral or whole body hypothermia]. / Estridor en neonatos con encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica sometidos a tratamiento con hipotermia cerebral selectiva o corporal total.

INTRODUCTION: Hypothermia treatment has improved the prognosis of asphyxiated neonates. Widely used, it has demonstrated to be safe without severe side effects. The aim of this article is to review the incidence of stridor amongst asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia in our unit. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of our patients. RESULTS: Stridor was presented in 7/75 (9.3%) of patients during hypothermia. Three received whole body hypothermia, 3 selective cerebral, and in one case both techniques were used. All cases required increased respiratory support. CONCLUSIONS: Different mechanisms may be responsible for the appearance of stridor in patients with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). In our series the incidence of stridor was similar for the two hypothermia devices. To better understand these possible side effects of hypothermia, further prospective studies (which should include laryngoscopy) are needed.