Abstract
Studies in newborn ferrets inoculated intranasally with influenza virus demonstrate sequential descending pathological changes in the ciliated epithelium of the nasal sinuses, nasal passages, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles. Prior to the onset of typical acute inflammatory lesions these are characterised by a change in the structure of the epithelium and cellular morphology - a cytopathic effect.
Clinical evidence of an upper respiratory tract infection is common in infants and is frequently mentioned by parents of sudden infant deaths (SIDS). Since there is commonly a delay in performing autopsies on such infants the likelihood of successful virus isolation is reduced. Furthermore not all centres examining SIDS have adequate virological services available. It is possible to remove the relevant parts of the upper respiratory tract at autopsy but this is both time consuming and on occasion disfiguring. However the epiglottis is invariably available at autopsy and a standard block is easily prepared. The technique and findings in a series of SIDS are presented and it is suggested that histological examination of the epiglottis should be a routine procedure in the investigation of all infant deaths.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rushton, D., FRCPath, M. THE EPIGLOTTIS AS AN INDICATOR OF UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION IN SUDDEN INFANT DEATHS. Pediatr Res 18, 810 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198408000-00105
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198408000-00105