Awake airway endoscopy in mucopolysaccharidosis: a case report

Sofia Fernandes1, Jo O Borges2, Marta Martins3

  • 1Centro Hospitalar Universit..rio Lisboa Norte, Department of Anesthesiology, Lisbon, Portugal.

Insights

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) patients face anesthesia risks due to progressive genetic disorders. Fiberoptic airway mapping under conscious sedation offers a safe approach for managing complex airways in MPS types VI and VII.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Rare Genetic Diseases
  • Airway Management

Background:

  • Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) comprises rare inherited disorders characterized by progressive glycosaminoglycan accumulation.
  • Multisystemic manifestations in MPS, including respiratory and skeletal changes, complicate anesthetic management and increase risks.
  • Airway management is particularly challenging in MPS patients due to potential anatomical abnormalities.

Observation:

  • Two cases of patients with MPS type VI and VII underwent fiberoptic airway mapping.
  • The procedure was performed under conscious sedation.
  • No complications were observed during the fiberoptic airway mapping.

Findings:

  • Fiberoptic airway mapping under conscious sedation is a safe and effective technique for evaluating complex airways in MPS patients.
  • This pre-operative assessment allows for better planning of anesthetic and surgical interventions.

Implications:

  • Proposes a safe anesthetic technique for fiberoptic bronchoscopy and tracheal intubation in MPS patients.
  • Highlights the importance of pre-operative airway assessment in managing rare genetic disorders.
  • Aims to improve anesthetic outcomes and reduce complications in patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis.

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