Herpes simplex laryngitis: Comparison between pediatric and adult patients

Abstract Objectives . Infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) typically causes limited oral and genital symptoms, however HSV can also affect the larynx and result in severe aerodigestive symptoms. Due to the rarity of HSV laryngitis, the symptoms and clinical course of are not well understood. This study aims to more completely characterize HSV laryngitis in order to aid clinicians in understanding and recognition of HSV laryngitis. Methods . Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to identify articles relating to HSV laryngitis. Patient demographics, presenting signs and symptoms, treatment and clinical course were extracted from the selected manuscripts. Results . There were 31 studies on HSV laryngitis that identified 36 patients (17 pediatric, 19 adult). The average age for pediatric patients was 11 months (9M, 8F) and 52 years for adults (11M, 8F). In the pediatric population, stridor was more common at presentation in comparison to the adult population (p Conclusion . HSV laryngitis has a unique presentation in pediatrics and adults, but is nonspecific in both populations leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. HSV laryngitis is associated with significant morbidity including multi-week hospital stay and risk for needing tracheostomy in both adults and pediatric population which demonstrates need for clinical awareness of this complication of HSV infection.