Foreign body aspiration in a boy with Prader-Willi Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Genetics
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder associated with developmental delays, behavioral issues, and characteristic physical features.
• Children with PWS often exhibit hyperphagia and may have an increased risk of choking or aspiration due to oromotor dysfunction.
• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common comorbidity in PWS, presenting with symptoms like effort intolerance and nocturnal respiratory disturbances.

Observation:

• A five-year-old boy diagnosed with PWS presented with progressive weight gain, effort intolerance, and nocturnal symptoms suggestive of OSA.
• Initial imaging (radiography and computed tomography) indicated a possible foreign body in the airway.
• Bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia revealed impacted peanuts in the left main bronchus.

Findings:

• Successful removal of impacted peanuts via bronchoscopy led to immediate resolution of the patient's respiratory symptoms.
• The child remained asymptomatic at a six-month follow-up, indicating a complete recovery from the aspiration event.
• This case underscores the potential for foreign body aspiration to mimic or exacerbate symptoms in children with PWS.

Implications:

• Healthcare providers should consider foreign body aspiration in the differential diagnosis for dyspnoea in children with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
• Implementing preventative strategies to reduce the risk of foreign body aspiration and choking is crucial for managing patients with PWS.
• Early diagnosis and intervention for airway foreign bodies can significantly improve outcomes in children with underlying genetic conditions.