Respiratory papillomas: presentation before six months.

The prognosis of respiratory papillomatosis (RP) in newborns appears to be less favorable than in infants and older children. In this series of four patients who developed symptoms of the disease within the first 6 months of life, the mortality was 100%. In these premature and term newborn infants, endoscopic laser surgery and medical and immunologic therapy were unable to control the growth of RP. Meticulous local removal of the airway lesions is the most reliable form of management.