Anaesthesia for children with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (letalis)

The anaesthetic management of two children with junctional epidermolysis bullosa, formerly called the letalis form, is described. Anaesthesia for children with this disease has not been described previously. Special precautions were taken to avoid mucosal injury and some customary monitoring devices were omitted. The previous anaesthetic literature, which discusses related but distinct forms of bullous skin diseases, is reviewed. The special concerns which relate to airway management in this disease are discussed.