Cervical instability in patients with Trisomy 21: The gamble continues

• Published in: Pediatric anesthesia Vol. 29; no. 6; p. 660
• Main Author: Bhalotra, Anju R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-06-2019
• ISSN: 1155-5645; 1460-9592
• DOI: 10.1111/pan.13630

Sir - Down syndrome (DS) continues to be the most common chromosomal disorder and it is the rare anesthesiologist who has not encountered these patients. I read with interest the review by Bertolizio et al on cervical instability in patients with Trisomy 21. For children with documented instability, as discussed by Bertolizio, due care can be taken, including limitation of neck movements, use of video laryngoscopy, MILS, a neck collar etc. But perhaps, more importantly, we can obtain informed consent from the parents with documentation of likely complications due to cervical spine instability. It is the child with no neurological symptoms who poses problems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.