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Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
A reflectable case of obstructive sleep apnea in an infant with Crouzon syndrome
Nobuyuki Mitsukawa1, Kaneshige Satoh, Takashi Hayashi
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital, Kurume, Japan. nmitsu@st-mary-med.or.jp
Insights
Sudden infant death can result from obstructive sleep apnea. Early intervention with midfacial distraction osteogenesis is crucial for managing airway obstruction in syndromic craniosynostosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a critical concern in infants with syndromic craniosynostosis, potentially leading to life-threatening airway obstruction.
- While tracheostomy offers a solution, advancements in midfacial distraction osteogenesis present an alternative for definitive management.
Observation:
- A tragic case of sudden infant death due to a severe obstructive sleep apnea attack is reported.
- This event occurred preoperatively, during the waiting period for planned midfacial distraction surgery.
Findings:
- The case highlights the severe risks associated with untreated obstructive sleep apnea in this patient population.
- Early definitive treatment, specifically midfacial distraction, is vital for preventing fatal airway compromise.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the critical need for vigilant preoperative airway management in infants with syndromic craniosynostosis.
- Advocates for timely and definitive surgical intervention, such as distraction osteogenesis, to address midfacial hypoplasia and associated obstructive sleep apnea.
Abstract:
Obstructive sleep apnea has recently drawn attention as a cause of sudden death among infants. Life-threatening obstruction of the upper airway is encountered in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis. Early definitive management of obstructive sleep apnea can conquer this critical situation. Although early tracheostomy can solve the problem, successful early midfacial distraction has been reported. In this report, a reflectable case of sudden death caused by a severe obstructive sleep apnea attack at home just before the midfacial distraction, during the waiting period for the surgery of midfacial distraction, is described. The authors stress the importance of preoperative care of the upper airway and the early definitive treatment using distraction osteogenesis for midfacial hypoplasia in infantile syndromic craniosynostosis.
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