Epidemiology, presentation, management and outcomes of patients with acute epiglottitis - A 10-year retrospective study based on a tertiary hospital in northern China

PurposeThis study aimed to explore the new clinical characteristics and trends of acute epiglottitis (AE) in northern China.MethodsA retrospective, observational study was conducted on patients diagnosed with AE between January 2014 and December 2023 at a single-center medical institution in northern China. The clinical profiles of patients with AE were investigated.ResultsThis study encompassed 366 AE patients (M: F = 1.79:1). The average age of the patients was 47.31 +/- 13.18 years, and 33.4% patients had comorbidities. Common initial symptoms: sore throat (93.17%), dysphagia (48.09%), fever (10.65%). Dyspnea reported in 14.48%. AE incidence rose annually over a decade, with mild seasonal variations. Laryngoscopy remains the primary means of confirming AE. Almost all patients received intravenous antibiotic therapy, and 98% of them were also treated with corticosteroids. Emergency airway intervention needed in 2.73% (cricothyroidotomy: 0.54%; tracheotomy: 2.19%). Among all patients, 353 (96.44%) had a good prognosis, 1 death (0.27%) from cardiopulmonary arrest during tracheotomy, 1 anoxic encephalopathy (0.27%) after tracheotomy in the emergency room due to intubation failure.ConclusionThe incidence rate of AE is on the rise. Even if airway intervention is rarely required, clinicians must maintain a high degree of vigilance and conduct early identification of risk factors and emergencies that could progress severe cases into life-threatening. Furthermore, the development of safe and efficacious management strategies is crucial to prevent catastrophic complications and safeguard patient lives.