Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Sep 1999
Predicting airway risk in angioedema: staging system based on presentation.
Angioedema is an immunologically mediated, anatomically limited, nonpitting edema that can lead to life-threatening airway obstruction. To predict the risk of airway compromise in angioedema, we retrospectively reviewed 93 episodes in 80 patients from 1985 to 1995. Intubation or tracheotomy was necessary in 9 (9.7%) cases. ⋯ Airway intervention was necessary in 7% of stage III patients and in 24% of stage IV cases. No deaths were caused by angioedema. Airway risk in angioedema may be predicted by anatomic site of presentation, allowing appropriate triage with preparation for airway intervention in selected cases.