Profil audiométrique des surdités à Brazzaville / Audiometric pattern of deafness in Brazzaville

Introduction. La surdité est une perturbation auditive correspondant à la diminution ou la suppression de la capacité d'entendre le son. L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer le profil audiométrique de la surdité à Brazzaville Méthodologie. Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive et rétrospective réalisée dans les services d'Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie et chirurgie cervico-facialedu CHU de Brazzaville et de l'hôpital de référence de Talangaï. L'étude s'est déroulée sur une période de 12 moisallant du 01 janvier2021 au 31 décembre 2021 et avait inclus les patients présentant une hypoacousie et /ou vertige périphérique et ayant réalisé une audiométrie tonale liminaire mettant en évidence une surdité. Résultats. Nous avons étudié360 dossiers depatients atteints de surdité. La moyenne d'âge était 24,6 ans avec une prédominance féminine (57%). Les étudiants et les élèves constituaient la classe professionnelle la plus retrouvée (47,2%). Le signe fonctionnel le plus représenté était l'hypoacousie bilatérale avec 88,6%. L'audiométrie tonale liminaire était dominée par la surdité de perception moyenne (41,6%).Conclusion. La surdité estun handicap auditif invalidantdont la prise en charge pourrait être améliorée par l'utilisation de l'audiométrie tonale.

Introduction.Deafness is an auditory disturbance corresponding to the decrease or suppression of the ability to hear sound. The objective of this study was to determine the audiometric profile of deafness in Brazzaville. Methodology. This was a descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Cervico-Facial Surgery departments of the University Hospital of Brazzaville and the Talangai reference hospital. The study took place over a period of 12 months from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, and included patients with hearing loss and/or peripheral vertigo who underwent a pure-tone audiometry revealing deafness. Results.We studied 360 medical records of patients with deafness. The average age was 24.6 years with a female predominance (57%). Students and pupils constituted the most frequently encountered professional group (47.2%). Bilateral hearing loss was the most represented functional sign, accounting for 88.6%. Pure-tone audiometry was predominantly indicative of moderate sensorineural hearing loss (41.6%). Conclusion. Deafness is a disabling auditory handicap that could benefit from improved management through the use of pure-tone audiometry.

Manifestations oto-rhino-laryngologiques de la COVID-19 chez l' enfant à Brazzaville / Otorhinolaryngological manifestations of COVID-19 in Children in Brazzaville

Introduction.Les infections respiratoires hautes représentent environ 80% des affections ORL de l'enfant. L'objectif de ce travail était de contribuer à la connaissance des manifestations ORL de la covid-19 chez l'enfant afin d'en améliorer la prise en charge. Patients et méthodes. Il s'est agi d'uneétudedescriptive de 12 mois incluant les dossiers des enfants âgés de moins de 18 ans symptomatiques et testés positifs à la COVID-19 par RT-PCR. Il s'agissait des enfants reçus en consultation dans les services d'otorhinolaryngologie de l'hôpital de Référencede Talangaï et du CHU de Brazzaville. Tous les prélèvements étaient acheminés au laboratoire national de santé publique où le diagnostic était fait par RT-PCR. Résultats.Sur un total de 1080 enfants consultés pour une symptomatologie respiratoire ORL, seuls 21 étaient testés positifs à la COVID-19 représentant une prévalence de 1,9%. L'âge moyen était de 12,6 ans ± 5,7 (extrêmes: 3 ­17 ans) avec un ratio de 0,9 légèrement en faveur des filles. La tranche d'âge de 13 à 18 ans était la plus représentative (n=13, soit 61,8%) suivie de 9 à 13 ans (n=4, soit 19,1%) correspondant aux enfants ayant un antécédent personnel d'atopie (80,9%). La symptomatologie était dominée par l'angine érythémateuse (n=17, soit 80,9%) suivie de la rhinopharyngite (n=3, soit 14,4%) et du syndrome de Marschall (n=1, soit 4,7%). Tous les enfants étaient orientés auprès des services habiletés à la prise en charge mais seuls 13 d'entre eux (61,9%) étaient contre-référés et déclarés guéris après un contrôle RT-PCR négatif. Conclusion.Si l'angine érythémateuse domine la symptomatologie COVID-19 chez l'enfant, il en ressort que le syndrome de Marschall reste une exception clinique.

Introduction. Upper respiratory infections represent about 80% of ENT diseases in children. The objective of this work was to contribute to the knowledge of the ENT manifestations of covid-19 in children in order to improve their management.Patients and methods. This was a 12-month descriptive study including the files of symptomatic children aged 0 to 18 who tested positive for COVID-19 by RT-PCR. These were children seen in consultation in Introduction. Upper respiratory infections represent about 80% of ENT diseases in children. The objective of this work was to contribute to the knowledge of the ENT manifestations of covid-19 in children in order to improve their management. Patients and methods. This was a 12-month descriptive study including the files of symptomatic children aged 0 to 18 who tested positive for COVID-19 by RT-PCR. These were children seen in consultation in the otorhinolaryngology departments of the Talangaï Reference Hospital and the Brazzaville University Hospital. All the samples were sent to the national public health laboratory where the diagnosis was made by RT-PCR. Results. Out of a total of 1080 children consulted for ENT respiratory symptoms, only 21 tested positive for COVID-19, representing a prevalence of 1.9%. The average age was 12.6 years ± 5.7 (extremes: 3 ­17 years) with a ratio of 0.9 slightly in favor of girls. The age group of 13 to 18 years was the most representative (n=13, or 61.9%) followed by 9 to 13 (n=4, or 19%) corresponding to children with a personal history of atopy (80.9%). Symptoms were dominated by erythematous angina (n=17, or 80.9%) followed by nasopharyngitis (n=3, or 14.4%) and Marschall's syndrome (n=1, or 4.7%). All the children were referred to the care services but only 13 of them (61.9%) were cross-referred and declared cured after a negative RT-PCR control. Conclusion. If angina dominates the COVID-19 symptomatology, it emerges as Marschall's syndrome remains a clinical exception the otorhinolaryngology departments of the Talangaï Reference Hospital and the Brazzaville University Hospital. All the samples were sent to the national public health laboratory where the diagnosis was made by RT-PCR. Results. Out of a total of 1080 children consulted for ENT respiratory symptoms, only 21 tested positives for COVID-19, representing a prevalence of 1.9%. The average age was 12.6 years ± 5.7 (extremes: 3 ­17 years) with a ratio of 0.9 slightly in favor of girls. The age group of 13 to 18 years was the most representative (n=13, or 61.9%) followed by 9 to 13 (n=4, or 19%) corresponding to children with a personal history of atopy (80.9%). Symptoms were dominated by erythematous angina (n=17, or 80.9%) followed by nasopharyngitis (n=3, or 14.4%) and Marschall's syndrome (n=1, or 4.7%). All the children were referred to the care services but only 13 of them (61.9%) were cross-referred and declared cured after a negative RT-PCR control. Conclusion. If angina dominates the COVID-19 symptomatology, it emerges as Marschall's syndrome remains a clinical exception.

Apport de la tomodensitométrie dans la pathologie ORL non traumatique au centre hospitalier universitaire de Brazzaville / NA

Objectif: décrire l'apport de la tomodensitométrie dans la pathologie ORL non traumatique. Méthodologie : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale et descriptive allant de mai 2003 à janvier 2017 soit 13 ans et 8 mois, au CHU de Brazzaville. Nous avons inclus dans notre étude tous les patients ayant présentés une pathologie ORL, pour laquelle le bilan diagnostique nécessitait la réalisation d'une tomodensitométrie. Résultats : la fréquence de prescription de la TDM en ORL représentait 3,5%. L'âge moyen 38,2 ± 18,2 ans. Le sexe masculin représentait 59%. La TDM était utile dans le diagnostic devant 51,90% des signes fonctionnels, 48,10% du syndrome tumoral. L'atteinte rhinosinusienne représentait 59,5% suivie du pharynx 17,8%. La pathologie infectieuse représentait 63% (sinusite 51%) et la pathologie tumorale 37% (tumeur du cavum 18%). Conclusion: La prescription de la tomodensitométrie dans les pathologies ORL reste faible. Les indications et les lésions observées sont multiples. La TDM reste un moyen d'exploration complémentaire utile dans la pathologie tumorale qu'infectieuse.

Objective: To describe the contribution of CT scans in non-traumatic ENT pathology. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study from May 2003 to January 2017 (13 years and 8 months), at the University Hospital of Brazzaville. We included in our study all patients who presented an ENT pathology for which the diagnostic work-up required a CT scan. Results: The frequency of prescription of CT in ENT represented 3.5%. The average age of the patients was 38.2 ± 18.2 years. Males accounted for 59%. CT was useful in the diagnosis of 51.90% of the functional signs and 48.10% of the tumour syndrom. Rhinosinus involvement accounted for 59.5%, followed by the pharynx for 17.8%. Infectious pathology represented 63% (sinusitis 51%) and tumour pathology 37% (cavum tumour 18%). Conclusion: The prescription of CT scans in ENT pathologies remains low. The indications and lesions observed are multiple. CT remains a useful complementary means of exploration in tumour and infectious pathology.

Bacteriological profiles of acute suppurative otitis media in children in Brazzaville, Congo

Background: Acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM) is one of the main indications for antibiotic prescription in children. The close proximity of the middle ear to the brain and the increasing resistance of microbial organisms involved in otitis media make this pathology of great concern in children. The objective of this study is to determine the bacteriological profile of acute otitis media in Congo as a guide to the choice of antibiotics for empirical therapy. Methodology: A cross sectional study of children less than 17 years old with acute suppurative otitis media in the otorhinolaryngology service of the Brazzaville University Hospital, Congo, was conducted over a 14 month period. All subjects whose samples were sterile or contaminated (poly-microbial culture) and those who received antibiotic-corticosteroid therapy were excluded. The identification of bacteria to species level was done using conventional biochemical identification tests scheme. Antibiotic sensitivity was performed on isolates using the modified Bauer Kirby disk diffusion test on plain Mueller Hinton (MH) agar and MH agar with 5% horse blood. Results: Four bacteria families/species were identified; Staphylococcus aureus (32.7%), family Enterobacteriaceae (28.6%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (26.5%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.2%). Ps. aeruginosa was associated with greenish otorrhea while S. aureus, Enterobacteriaceae and S. pneumoniae were associated with yellowish otorrhea (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The bacterial aetiology of acute suppurative otitis media varies from country to country. In Congo, this study reports four main bacteria families/species involved in acute otitis media with high resistance to ß-lactam antibiotics but high sensitivity to macrolides and fluoroquinolones

Profil histo-épidemiologique des adénopathies cervicales chroniques au Congo - Brazzaville

Les adénopathies cervicales chroniques sont celles qui évoluent depuis plus de trois semaines de façon non résolutive. Elles posent un problème de diagnostic étiologique et peuvent annoncer une affection grave. Matériel et méthodes : Il s'est agi d'une étude descriptive et rétrospective allant du 01 juillet 2007 au 31 juillet 2017, soit une période de 10ans. Cette étude s'est déroulée dans les services d'ORL du CHU-B et de l'Hôpital Général Adolphe SICE. Résultats : Au total 100 cas d'adénopathies cervicales chroniques ont été colligés en 10 ans, soit une prévalence de 1,8%. Le sex-ratio était de 1,17 et la tranche d'âge la plus représentée était celle de 20 à 29 ans avec une moyenne d'âge de 30,8±15,8 ans. La plupart des patients avaient une poly-adénopathie cervicale et une fièvre comme signe associé (64% des cas). Les lésions histopathologiques en cause étaient la tuberculose ganglionnaire (49%), les lymphomes ganglionnaires (21%), les adénites réactionnelles (15%), les métastases des carcinomes (11%) l'histiocytose ganglionnaire (2%) et la maladie de CASTLEMAN (2%).Conclusion : La pathologie ganglionnaire cervicale au Congo reste dominée par la tuberculose, suivie des proliférations lymphoïdes malignes et réactionnelles. L'examen anatomo-pathologique standard est complété par une étude immunohistochimique pour un diagnostic étiologique plus précis

Projectile localisé dans le sinus maxillaire: une observation inhabituelle

Objectif : Décrire les aspects diagnostiques et la conduite thérapeutique adoptée devant un cas de localisation inhabituelle d'un projectile dans le sinus maxillaire. Observation : Le présent cas est celui d'un ouvrier de 31 ans qui aurait reçu l'éclat d'un morceau de fer sous la forme d'un projectile en région sous-orbitaire gauche. La radiographie du crâne (Blondeau) a permis de mettre en évidence le corps étranger de tonalité métallique dans le sinus maxillaire gauche. L'extraction a été faite par l'intervention de Caldwell-Luc à défaut d'une chirurgie endoscopique qui est une attitude actuellement recommandée. Les suites opératoires ont été simples. Conclusion : La localisation d'un projectile dans le sinus maxillaire est une situation inhabituelle dont le diagnostic peut être posé à la radiographie de Blondeau et l'extraction par l'intervention de Caldwell-Luc

Le psoriasis lingual. A propos d'une observation

Introduction : Le psoriasis est une pathologie inflammatoire chronique. Même si ses manifestations cutanées sont connues et décrites, les données sur l'implication orale restent limitées et rares. Nous rapportons dans ce travail une observation de psoriasis lingual, dans le but de rappeler une expression clinique inhabituelle de cette pathologie. Observation : Il s'agit d'un garçon de 16 ans qui présentait de façon chronique, une gêne alimentaire avec des douleurs linguales. Dans les antécédents, on retrouve des lésions cutanées, érythémateuses prurigineuses, surmontées de squames, prédominants sur les genoux, la face antérieures des jambes et le dos de la main. L'examen de la cavité buccale mettait en évidence, la présence de fissures avec multiples sillons sur la face dorsale de la langue. Le traitement associait des dermocorticoïdes, des bains de bouche, la polyvidone iodée, des tamponnades linguales et des histaminiques. Conclusion : Le psoriasis est une affection dermatologique chronique rare qui est resté longtemps ignoré. Les principales manifestations cliniques sont la langue géographique et la langue fissurée. Son traitement est aisé et le pronostic est heureusement bénin dans l'immense majorité des cas

[Oral metal foreign bodies]. / Corps étranger métallique de la cavité buccale.

Oral foreign bodies are most encountered in children. They rarely pose diagnostic problems. But the therapeutic management can use the therapeutic escalation from simple extraction chair to extraction per endoscopic under general anesthesia. We report an unusual case of metal foreign body (umbrella's support) penetrating the oral cavity and measuring 18 cm long in a 5 years-old boy. A radiograph of skull centered on the mouth as great interest in the diagnostic and particulary in the management of the metallic foreign body. The extraction of foreign body was done by oral approaches under general anesthesia.

[67 cases of face and neck cellulitis managed at the Brazzaville Teaching Hospital]. / 67 cas de cellulite cervico-faciale, pris en charge sous anesthésie locale au CHUB de Brazzaville.

INTRODUCTION: Face and neck cellulitis is an infection of cellular adipose tissues of the head and neck. These are common complications but true diagnostic and therapeutic emergencies. We had for aim to analyze the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of these infections treated under local anesthesia at the Brazzaville teaching hospital. MATERIEL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2008 on 67 cases of patients admitted to the ENT and Stomatology units of the Brazzaville teaching hospital. RESULTS: We included 47 male (70%) and 20 female (30%) patients (sex ratio 2.35) with a mean age 21 years (range 14-69 years of age). The cause of infection was dental in 75% of cases, lymph nodes in 24% of cases, and otologic in 1% of cases. The treatment was medical and surgical. DISCUSSION: Cervico-facial cellulitis more frequently concerns young adults. Neglect, poor oral hygiene, and ignorance contribute to the occurrence of these complications. The main portal of entry is dental. The authors recommend the antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy associated with incision and drainage.

[Childhood laterocervical abscess fistulized in the pharynx: a case study]. / Abcès latérocervical de l'enfant fistulisé dans le pharynx: à propos d'un cas.

Cervical adenophlegmon is frequently encountered in children. We report on a case of an exceptional direct communication between a retropharyngeal abscess and a cervical adenophlegmon, observed in a 25-month-old child. Treatment comprised double antibiotic therapy and retropharyngeal drainage, which led to the subsidence of the laterocervical abscess. The progression was uncomplicated.

[Inverted naso-sinusal papilloma: analytic study on 13 cases]. / Papillomes inversés naso-sinusiens: etude analytique de 13 cas.

OBJECTIVES: Inverted nasosinusal papilloma is a rare tumorous process involving mucosa of nasal fossa and paranasal sinus unilaterally. The authors studied inverted naso-sinusal papilloma observed and treated in ENT and Head and Neck department at Brazzaville University Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study concerning 13 patients treated between 1988 and 2001. RESULTS: The average age is 34 years (range: 16 to 60 years); old nasal obstruction is the main symptom (12 cases); the diagnosis is histologic; association with Killian polyp (1 case), human papilloma virus infection (1 case) and rhinosporidiosis (1 case); large surgical removal (Caldwell-Luc, para-latero-nasal) and polypectomy associated to diathermy of tumorous insertion place permitted to have satisfactory results; the recurrencies were observed in four cases from 7 months to 10 years (average: 4 years); malignant transformation is noted in 2 cases with one case of inverted papilloma combined to Human Papilloma Virus infection. CONCLUSION: All naso-sinusal polypoid should have a histological study. Patients must be followed-up regularly; this is very difficult in Africa.

[Treatment of hyperthyroidisms in Brazzaville Teaching Hospital, Congo]. / Prise en charge des hyperthyroïdies au CHU de Brazzaville, Congo.

Between January 1994 and December 2003, a total of 118 patients (MIF = 1/13) with thyrotoxicosis was studied at the endocrine and metabolic diseases unit of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brazzaville, in Congo. 72 patients (61%) had Graves' hyperthyroidism, 23 (19.6%) had toxic multinodular goitre while the rest had toxic adenoma (7.6%), and thyroiditis (4.2%). The mean age was 26.6 +/- 7.9 years for Graves' cases and 49.4 +/- 9.3 years for toxic multinodular goitre cases. The clinical presentation was similar to other reported series. Thirty-seven patients (31.3%) did not return after the first admission. All patients responded to carbimazole therapy and no major side-effect was recognized. Ten patients (8.5%/) underwent subtotal thyroidectomy, among them one developed hypothyroidism a year later. The result of this study shows that thyrotoxicosis is not a rare condition in Congo.

[Cysts and congenital fistulas of the face and the neck. About 78 cases]. / Kystes et fistules congénitaux de la face et du cou. A propos de 78 cas.

The cysts and congenital fistulas of the face and neck induce frequent malformations in Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. A retrospective study on these malformations has been carried out from January 1986 to December 2001 in the Oto-Rhino-Laryngology unit of the Brazzaville Teaching Hospital. This study considered the epidemio-clinical aspects, the modes of therapeutic treatment and the evolution of these congenital pathologies. The cysts and congenital fistulas represented 2% of the consultations in the service. Patients were aged of 10 months to 50 years (average age: 21 +/- 5 years) among them 49 men (63%) and 29 women (37%). The pathology appeared in childhood in 41% of the cases and during adult age in 59% of the cases. The main circumstances of discovery were: cystic swelling (72%), infectious complication (18%) and productive fistula (10%). The clinical forms have been dominated by the cysts of the thyreoglossal tractus (72%), followed by the pre-auricular fistulas (10%), the amygdaloid (9%), dermoid (6%) and nasopalatine (3%) cysts. The treatment was in any case surgical. A good embryo-pathogenic knowleldge should contribute to a complete surgical exeresis, a necessary condition to avoid recurrence.

[Thyroid disorders in the Brazzaville Teaching Hospital]. / La pathologie thyroïdienne au Centre hospitalier universitaire de Brazzaville.

The authors report their experience with thyroid disorders. Between January 1994 and December 2003, a total of 567 patients (sex ratio: 1/20, men to women) with thyroid disease were examined in the endocrine and metabolic department of the Brazzaville Teaching Hospital. Their mean age was 43 years. 333 (58.7%) had a simple goiter, 118 (20.8%) hyperthyroidism, most often related to Graves' disease (60.8%). Other disorders included multinodular goiters (19.2%), toxic adenoma (7.1%) and thyroiditis (13.8%). Hypothyroidism was identified in 7.4% of cases, mainly following thyroid surgery. Thyroid cancer was rare (4 cases).

[Hypersialorrhea in mental retardation: interest of salivary denervation]. / L'hypersialorrhee chez le retarde mental: interet d'une denervation salivaire.

Hypersialorrhea with mental retardation is a handicapping clinical situation with a greater psychoaffective impact and a risk of dyspneic attack by a pharyngeal salivary stasis and a disappointing treatment. We report an observation about a 22 years old child; as for as this child is concerned, the treatment has been a salivary denervation. This method is simple, efficient and without risk.

[Association of HIV and parotid cysts]. / A propos d'une association VIH et masses kystiques parotidiennes.

Parotid cystics are included in salivary glands affection, found with persons infected by the human immunodeficiency virus. This study reports 28 cases registered in the oto-rhino-laryngology service of Brazzaville university hospital. The interested age is between 32 and 57 years old. The HIV profile reveals a prevailing of HIV1 (20 cases). The dia-gnosis is clinical, echographic and by the exploratory puncture. The therapeuratic approach (iterative puncture and compressive dressing) adopted to these brittle patients and with limited resource, permitted to get satisfactory results.

[Cervico-facial and ENT symptoms due to HIV infection in tropical area. About 253 Congolese cases]. / Les manifestations ORL et cervico-faciales de l'infection par le VIH en zone tropicale. A propos de 253 cas congolais.

In human immunodeficiency virus infection as well as in related syndromes, cervico-facial and otorhino-laryngologic manifestations are current. A retrospective study in Oto-Rhino-Laryngology service of Brazzaville University Hospital from December 1995 to November 2001 has been reported. 253 patients were selected from a total of 1352 consultations. The study population is young (average age: 34 +/- 4.8 years), and most of the patients are 30 to 49 years old (75.9%). Men represent 51% and women 49%. Although sexual multipartnership (59.7%) is the main risk factor, traditional practices (22.8%) are not neglictible in Africa. Among all cases, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 is found in 72.3% of cases. The affections are located in the neck (40.5%), ear (24.9%), pharynx (17.3%), rhinosinus (13.3%), oral cavity and vestibule (2.7%) and larynx (1.3%). These main affections are represented by: parotidosis (20.1%), peripheric facial paralysis (15.4%), pharyngeal candidiasis (14.6%), sinusitis (14.2%) and ganglial tuberculosis (11.5%). Lymphoma (7 cases), kaposi's sarcoma (7 cases) and epidermoid carcinoma (1 case) are the malignant affections identified in 15 cases (6%). The diagnosis of some affections like cystic parotiditis (11%), noma (1.6%), African histoplasmosis (0.4%) and rhinoscleroma (0.4%) constitutes this study particularity The Oto-rhino-laryngologist's role is important in early diagnosis of HIV infection as well as in the followed-up of patients.

[Ectopic tooth in the nasal cavity]. / Dent incluse dans la fosse nasale.

The eruption of a canine tooth into the nasal cavity constitutes one topographic form of dental ectopy. We report a case and discuss the diagnostic aspects and diverse pathogenic theories proposed. This unusual situation should be suspected in patients with nasal obstruction and unilateral fetid purulent rhinorrhea.

[Laryngeal papillomatosis: value of early diagnosis, apropos of 7 cases diagnosed at the University Hospital Center in Brazzaville, Congo]. / La papillomatose laryngee: interet d'un diagnostic precoce, a propos de 7 cas diagnostiques au CHU de Brazzaville, Congo.

Laryngeal papillomatosis is a benign tumor process that occurs most commonly in children but can also affect adults. The purpose of this report is to describe a series of 7 cases treated at the Otorhinolaryngology Department of the University Hospital Center in Brazzaville, Congo. Special focus is placed on particularities and pitfalls of management. There were 4 girls and 3 boys with a mean age of 8.4 years (range, 7 to 10 years). The mean duration between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 3.4 years (range, 1 to 5 years). The initial symptom was choking in 3 cases, hoarseness in 2, and combined choking and hoarseness in 2. Tracheotomy was required in 3 cases. Instrumental debulking was performed in all cases. Two patients died due to obstruction of the cannula. Outcome was favorable in the remaining 5 cases. Our experience highlights the need for early diagnosis for optimal therapeutic outcome. In this regard information campaigns are necessary to educate doctors and parents.