The viral aetiology of croup and recurrent croup. Issue 5 (18th September 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wall, S R; Wat, D; Spiller, O B; Gelder, C M; Kotecha, S; Doull, I J M
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 94:Issue 5(2009)
• Page Start: 359
• Page End: 360
• Publication Date: 2008-09-18
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.2008.142984
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Historically croup was subdivided into classic "viral" croup with associated viral upper respiratory tract infections, and recurrent or spasmodic croup where asthma and allergies were thought more important. Methods: All children admitted to the University Hospital of Wales with croup in 2003 were eligible. Baseline demographics including croup score were recorded and per-nasal swabs taken for virus detection by RT-PCR. Recurrent croup was defined as at least one other admission for croup in the preceding or following 3 years. Results: Sixty (29.4%) children entered the study, and a viral pathogen was detected in 41 (68%). There was no significant difference in the rate of virus detection between those with single episode croup and recurrent croup. Conclusions: The aetiologies of viral and recurrent croup appear similar.