The viral aetiology of croup and recurrent croup.

BACKGROUND

Historically croup was subdivided into classic "viral" croup with associated viral upper respiratory tract infections, and recurrent or spasmodic croup where asthma and allergies were thought more important.

METHODS

All children admitted to the University Hospital of Wales with croup in 2003 were eligible. Baseline demographics including croup score were recorded and per-nasal swabs taken for virus detection by RT-PCR. Recurrent croup was defined as at least one other admission for croup in the preceding or following 3 years.

RESULTS

Sixty (29.4%) children entered the study, and a viral pathogen was detected in 41 (68%). There was no significant difference in the rate of virus detection between those with single episode croup and recurrent croup.

CONCLUSIONS

The aetiologies of viral and recurrent croup appear similar.