A Clinical Study on the Patients with Viral Croup

Yeo, Chae Young; Lee, Si Un; Cho, Young Kuk; Jung, Hae Yul; Ma, Jae Suk

Abstract

Viral croup is the most common cause of upper airway obstruction in children 6 months to 6 years of age. In this study, we analyzed the clinical course, evaluation and response to medical treatment of 31 patients with croup who had visited our hospital for 2 years (from 2004 to 2005). This disease affected babies most commonly in 1~2 years of age (54.8%) and in the autumn (35.5%). 74.2% of patients visited the hospital within 12 hours after onset of symptoms, suggesting the acuteness of its. The mean duration of hospitalization was 4.1+/-1.8 days. Laboratory findings show that WBC counts was at upper normal limit in 45.2% and that 64.5% had mild elevation of C-reactive protein. Most of the patients (93.5%) had barking cough. Inspiratory stridor was auscultated in 64.5% and fever developed in 64.5%. About half of the patients (12 of 25) recovered with only nebulized epinephrine, while 13 children required simultaneous administration of corticosteroid to prevent progressive respiratory distress. One severe affected patient with cyanosis, and chest retraction had to be intubated. In conclusion, prompt diagnosis and medical treatment can reduce complications of croup.