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Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology
2006 October, Vol. IX, No. 1 (3299-3314)
THE ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF CROUP
Dominic A. Fitzgerald
University of Sydney, Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Australia
The treatment of croup has changed considerably over the last 25 years with the liberalisation of the use of systemic corticosteroids for mild to moderate croup. The administration of corticosteroids in croup has reduced the severity of the condition, dramatically reduced the need for endotracheal intubation, shortened the duration of intubation, reduced the length of hospital stay, reduced the need for hospital admission and reduced daycare/preschool absenteeism and improved sleep in milder cases. Despite studies showing the efficacy of nebulised and intramuscular corticosteroids, the use of oral corticosteroids remains the recommended option in most, if not all, cases of croup presenting for medical assessment (Paed Resp Rev 2006; 7(1):73– 81; translation and publication with permission).