[Perioperative considerations for a holoprosencephaly patient]

We had twelve anesthetic experiences of seven holoprosencephaly patients for the past thirteen years. We classified these seven patients and compared the difficulty in perioperative control in the patients. Seven patients were divided according to two different holoprosencephaly classifications, one is that by DeMyer and the other by Osaka. We studied them retrospectively about airway management, the control of convulsion or instability of body temperature, and so on. Case of abortive type had nothing particular to be considered about, but cases of semilober type which had more severe brain anomaly, required careful respiratory management, due to their immature nasopharyngeal function. Concerning the convulsion or body temperature, cases of semilober type were difficult to control. When we anesthetize these holoprosencephaly patients, we must consider the classification of the anomaly and clinical conditions in each case. Especially, in cases of semilober types, prudent treatment is needed thoughout the perioperative period.