Optimising anaesthetic management during fronto-orbital advancement in an infant with Apert syndrome

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Genetics and Rare Diseases

Background:

• Apert syndrome is a rare congenital disorder featuring bicoronal synostosis, midface hypoplasia, and syndactyly.
• Fronto-orbital advancement (FOA) is a surgical procedure to correct craniosynostosis in Apert syndrome, typically performed on infants.
• Patients with Apert syndrome present unique anesthetic challenges, including difficult airways and systemic anomalies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the anesthetic management of a female infant with Apert syndrome undergoing bilateral fronto-orbital advancement.
• To highlight the critical considerations for managing physiologic changes during complex pediatric craniofacial surgery.

Main Methods:

• Detailed anesthetic management plan for a pediatric patient with Apert syndrome.
• Monitoring and management of physiological changes during prolonged surgery.
• Case report methodology.

Main Results:

• Successful completion of bilateral fronto-orbital advancement surgery.
• Effective management of anesthetic challenges associated with Apert syndrome.
• Stable physiological parameters throughout the procedure.

Conclusions:

• Meticulous and thorough anesthetic care is essential for managing infants with Apert syndrome undergoing fronto-orbital advancement.
• This case demonstrates a successful anesthetic strategy for complex pediatric craniofacial reconstruction.
• Further case reports can contribute to best practices in managing this rare condition.