Videolaryngoscopy Bails us out of Difficult Intubation Scenarios in Syndromic Children: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Airway Management
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Airway management in children with craniofacial anomalies presents unique challenges.
• Conventional direct laryngoscopy (DL) may require multiple attempts in these cases.
• The role of videolaryngoscopes (VLs) in pediatric difficult airways, especially in syndromic children, requires further elucidation.

Observation:

• This case series reports on the use of VLs in children with Pierre Robin sequence, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and Hurler's syndrome.
• Initial intubation attempts using DL were unsuccessful in these patients.
• VLs were subsequently used, leading to successful tracheal intubation.

Findings:

• Videolaryngoscopes (VLs) demonstrated efficacy in securing the airway after failed direct laryngoscopy (DL) attempts in syndromic children.
• Successful intubation was achieved using VLs in multiple pediatric cases with complex craniofacial anomalies.
• The study highlights the utility of VLs in challenging pediatric airway scenarios.

Implications:

• Videolaryngoscopes (VLs) should be considered for initial airway management in syndromic children with anticipated difficult airways.
• Early adoption of VLs may reduce the need for multiple intubation attempts and associated complications.
• This approach can improve patient safety and outcomes in pediatric anesthesia for craniofacial anomalies.