[Laryngitis in newborn infants. Apropos of 3 cases].

Laryngoscopic examination of new-born infants with laryngeal dyspnea or dysphonia usually reveals a congenital lesion, but true infections laryngitis, although rare, does still exist. Three cases are reviewed and the literature searched. Functional laryngeal signs are non-pathognomonic, all three levels of the larynx may be affected by inflammation, and pathogenic agents may be viral (herpes), bacterial (Haemophilus Para-Influenzae) or mycotic. In two of the cases reported confirmation of diagnosis was by local swab under laryngoscopic guidance. Recovery occurred after medical treatment alone and intubation was not required in any of the three patients. These findings emphasize the value of laryngoscopy with swab in all neonates with dyspnea or dysphonia in an infectious context.