Craniofacial anomalies (CFA) predispose children to airway obstruction
, A retrospective study was conducted to describe airway intervention
required to manage patients with craniofacial syndromes and diseases i
nvolving the midface and mandible (i.e., Pierre Robin, Apert, Treacher
Collins, Saethre-Chotzen, CHARGE, Nager, Stickler, Goldenhar, and Pfe
iffer). The type of airway intervention, duration of intervention, and
associated physical and medical conditions were evaluated, One hundre
d nine patients had charts available for review and met inclusion crit
eria, Sixty-five of these patients required airway management, most co
mmonly in the first month of life, ranging from positioning to tracheo
tomy. Nineteen patients required a tracheotomy, Associated medical con
ditions and feeding difficulties were associated with airway obstructi
on, This study evaluates factors that predispose children with CFA to
have airway problems that need treatment, as well as the types of airw
ay management that are necessary.