Labor Analgesia in a Patient With Beals Syndrome: A Case Report of Management Challenges

Beals syndrome, also known as Beals-Hetch syndrome or congenital contractural arachnodactyly, is an autosomal dominantly inherited, rare connective tissue disorder characterized by flexion contractures, arachnodactyly, camptodactyly, severe kyphoscoliosis, and, less frequently, cardiovascular features. We describe the successful management of labor analgesia in a pregnant woman with Beals syndrome. During labor, a combined spinal/epidural technique was performed uneventfully, and intermittent top-ups were administered as needed at lower-than-usual volumes. Eutocic delivery occurred without complications, and both mother and baby were discharged three days later. Given the sparse literature about obstetric patients with Beals syndrome, we summarize the main anesthetic challenges and suggested approaches.