From the Guidelines
Racemic epinephrine does not have a established role in the treatment of laryngomalacia.
Treatment of Laryngomalacia
- The treatment of laryngomalacia typically involves surgical interventions, such as supraglottoplasty, which has been shown to improve outcomes in children with persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) 1.
- There is no mention of racemic epinephrine as a treatment for laryngomalacia in the provided evidence, except in the context of subglottic stenosis, where it may provide temporary relief for patients with mild to moderate symptoms 1.
Use of Racemic Epinephrine
- Racemic epinephrine may be used to treat post-extubation stridor caused by laryngeal edema, with its effectiveness being quick but transient 1.
- However, its use in the treatment of laryngomalacia is not supported by the provided evidence, and surgical intervention remains the preferred treatment option.
Conclusion is not allowed, the above statement is the final answer.
From the Research
Treatment of Laryngomalacia
- The provided studies do not directly address the use of racemic epinephrine in the treatment of laryngomalacia 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, some studies discuss the treatment of laryngomalacia and other related conditions, such as subglottic laryngitis and croup.
- Racemic epinephrine is mentioned as a treatment option for subglottic laryngitis and croup, with some studies suggesting its effectiveness in reducing symptoms 4, 5, 6.
Use of Racemic Epinephrine
- A study from 1992 compared the efficacy of L-epinephrine and racemic epinephrine aerosols in the treatment of laryngotracheitis (croup) and found that both were effective in reducing symptoms, with no significant differences between the two treatments 5.
- Another study from 1981 reported the use of simple nebulization of racemic epinephrine in the treatment of acute laryngitis (croup) and found immediate, though transitory, relief of symptoms 6.
- A study from 2015 discussed changes in the management of subglottic laryngitis over the past 20 years and noted an increase in the use of racemic epinephrine among ENT specialists and pediatricians 4.
Laryngomalacia Treatment
- Studies 2 and 3 discuss the treatment of laryngomalacia, including surgical options such as epiglottic suture and laser epiglottopexy, as well as medical treatment with antireflux medications.
- However, these studies do not mention the use of racemic epinephrine as a treatment option for laryngomalacia.