Pfeiffer Syndrome: A Therapeutic Algorithm Based on a Modified Grading Scale

Pfeiffer syndrome (PS) is a very rare condition with a wide clinical spectrum. There are only a few studies that address the classification and treatment of PS and take into account the most commonly presented clinical features. Thus, the objectives of this study are to propose an algorithm for PS management based on a modified severity scale and correlate PS severity with tracheostomy placement.

An observational retrospective study was performed on consecutive patients with PS (n = 12), who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2018. Clinical features and findings of all included patients with PS were classified as types A, B, and C, which guided treatment workflow. The Fisher test was used to correlate the severity of patients with PS with tracheostomy placement.

There were 12 patients, classified as type A (n = 3), type B (n = 6), and type C (n = 3). All patients who received tracheostomies (n = 6) were stratified into the severe category (n = 9; types B and C) (P < 0.05). There were 4 minor complications, and 1 major complication according to a modified Clavien-Dindo surgical complication scale.

A treatment algorithm based on the 3 different Pfeiffer types was proposed. Severity of PS statistically correlates to tracheostomy placement.