The dramatic change in the epidemiology of pediatric epiglottitis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the epidemiology of epiglottitis in a large children's hospital from 1995-2003 and to compare the findings with a previous report published 27 years previously from the same hospital.

METHODS: Chart review.

RESULTS: Two cases identified. Both children were 18 years old. Group F and group A streptococci were causative agents.

CONCLUSIONS: Over the past 27 years, the admission rate for acute epiglottitis declined ten fold. Streptococci are becoming major pathogens in acute epiglottitis.