PEDIATRICS Vol. 48 No. 2 August 1971, pp. 281-285
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ACUTE FOREIGN BODY LARYNGO-TRACHEAL OBSTRUCTION: A CAUSE FOR SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED DEATH IN CHILDREN

Felicien M. Steichen M.D.1, Andrew Fellini M.D.1, and Arnold H. Einhorn M.D.1

1 Departments of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Pediatrics, Lincoln Hospital and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York

Sudden unexpected death in three well children beyond crib age due to laryngo-tracheal obstruction by a foreign body is described. The clinical picture is characterized by a paucity of clues in, very often, the absence of reliable witnesses and of any preexisting causes for sudden death. Because of this and on suspicion only, immediate laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy are indicated in all children above crib age with sudden unexpected and unexplained death, after initial respiratory and cardiac resuscitation have taken place. It is hoped that mouth to mouth breathing by the nonprofessional bystander as well as expertise with respiratory resuscitation by ambulance crews, will deliver the occasional child suffering from potentionally fatal foreign body obstruction of the airways to the emergency department before irreversible anoxic cerebral damage has occurred. Children treated in this optimal fashion may thus be given an opportunity to survive.

Submitted on November 19, 1970
Accepted on February 19, 1971