Clinical assessment and multispecialty management of Apert syndrome

This article has provided an overview of the medical, surgical, and developmental issues that should be considered in all individuals with the Apert syndrome. This is a multiple-malformation syndrome and, as such, health care must involve attention to multiple systems. In addition to a planned strategy for surgical management, family history must be considered and consultations requested with a geneticist, ophthalmologist, child development specialist, and an otorhinolaryngologist in addition to the "team" members described. Potential complications from airway obstruction include obstructive breathing patterns, apnea, and cor pulmonale; central nervous system abnormalities may not be apparent until neurologic sequelae are manifested. The single most important concept of team care rests not with close proximity of multiple specialists but with the ability of the team to communicate and organize effectively a plan of care for families.