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OBJECTIVE: To characterize incidence of mandibular anomalies (MAs) and compare gestational age, airway interventions, and complications among individuals with MA phenotypes (isolated retrognathia, isolated micrognathia, syndromic micrognathia, micrognathia plus cleft palate/cleft lip and palate, agnathia/micrognathia plus cervical auricle/otocephaly, and agnathia/micrognathia plus microstomia) and unaffected individuals. METHODS: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database was used to collect data over a 20-year period beginning in 2000. Interventions were classified as perinatal when performed on day of life (DOL) 0 or 1 and subsequent when performed during the birth hospitalization after DOL 1. Hypoxic complications included cardiac arrest, birth asphyxia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, anoxic brain damage, intraventricular hemorrhage or cerebral infarction. Descriptive statistics are reported, and the Rao-Scott chi-square test compared groups. RESULTS: MAs affected 119 per 100,000 birth visits. Preterm delivery was more frequent for all MA phenotypes. Individuals with MA phenotypes are more likely to require medical attention (airway intervention on DOL 0 or 1 OR no airway intervention received but patient sustained hypoxic complication/mortality): 16.2%-70.7% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.01. Despite receipt of airway interventions at a higher rate, collectively individuals with MAs who received an airway intervention on DOL 0 or 1 have a mildly elevated risk of hypoxic complication or mortality (32.4% vs. 26.4%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Preterm birth is more common, however, does not account for the elevated rate of airway intervention. Individuals with MAs require higher rates of medical attention, and current airway management paradigms are insufficient to prevent complications and mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III Laryngoscope, 2024.
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The prenatal diagnosis of epignathus presents a unique challenge for physicians. Differential diagnosis is usually based on the anatomic location of the tumor. Typical prenatal ultrasound characteristics of epignathus include a mixed solid and cystic lesion with vascularity in the solid component, originating from the hard or soft palate, and it is often associated with other anomalies such as craniofacial clefts or trans-sphenoidal intracranial extension. Herein, we present a case of prenatal diagnosis of epignathus with rare ultrasonographic findings, prenatal management requiring collaborative efforts of a multidisciplinary team, and a well-planned innovative ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure. In addition, this report highlights the evolving postnatal diagnosis of the rare developmental anomaly, duplication of the pituitary gland-plus syndrome, which includes various midline craniofacial, central nervous system, spinal, and endocrine abnormalities.
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Background: The ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) allows to ensure fetal airway while keeping uteroplacental circulation. However, EXIT may become a life-threatening procedure due to the increased risk of uterine atony or placenta abruption with increased peripartum blood losses and increased transfusion rates. We aim to review maternal anemia prevalence and transfusion requirements in women undergoing EXIT procedure. Methods: Using data from the Federal German Statistical Office hospitalized women undergoing EXIT procedure between January 1st 2006 and December 31st 2021 were included. The prevalence of anemia, peripartum hemorrhage, comorbidities and administration of red blood cells (RBC) were analyzed. Results: In total, 72 women underwent EXIT procedure with a median age of 31 years (26;33.5). In 43.1% EXIT was conducted at 34-36 weeks of gestational age. "Anemia during pregnancy" was present in 47.2%, "anemia due to acute bleeding" in 25.0% and "iron deficiency anemia" in 15.3%. Postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 11.1%. RBCs were transfused in 15.3% of all women. Most women required 1-5 units of RBCs. Conclusion: Despite the rarity of this procedure, anemia management and blood conservation strategies in order to reduce the need for RBC transfusion are highly important in women undergoing EXIT procedure.
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INTRODUCTION: Congenital lung malformations (CLMs) have a variable natural history. Larger lesions with CLM volume ratio (CVR) ≥ 1.6 are associated with hydrops and fetal mortality. The purpose of this study is to describe the management and outcomes of high-risk (CVR ≥ 1.6) CLM patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed for all fetuses evaluated between May 2015 and May 2022. Demographics, prenatal imaging factors, prenatal and postnatal treatment, and outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the cohorts. RESULTS: Of 149 fetal CLM patients referred to our fetal center, 21/149 (14%) had CVR ≥ 1.6. One CLM patient had intrauterine fetal demise, and 2 patients were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 18 patients, 11/18 (67%) received maternal steroids. Seven out of 18 patients (39%) underwent resection at the time of delivery with 1/7 (14%) undergoing exutero intrapartum treatment (EXIT)-to-resection, 5/7 (71%) undergoing EXIT-to-exteriorization-to-resection, and 1/7 (14%) undergoing a coordinated delivery to resection; among those undergoing resection, there were 2 fatalities (28.5%). Seven out of 18 (39%) patients required urgent neonatal open lobectomies, and the remaining 4/18 (22%) patients underwent elective thoracoscopic lobectomies with no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The natural history and outcomes of severe CLM patients remain highly variable. The EXIT-to-exteriorization-to-resection procedure may be a safe and effective approach for a subset of CLM patients with persistent symptoms of mass effect and severe mediastinal shift due to the observed decreased operative time requiring placental support observed in our study.
Subject(s)
Lung Diseases , Respiratory System Abnormalities , Infant, Newborn , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies , Placenta , Respiratory System Abnormalities/surgery , Respiratory System Abnormalities/complications , Lung Diseases/congenital , Lung/surgery , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Ex-utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) is a procedure developed to manage a range of fetal conditions, aiming to ensure the maintenance of neonatal airway and preserving the feto-placental circulation. Its goal is to enhance the neonatal ability to successfully transition and adapt to postnatal life, thereby reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, EXIT has been associated with a high risk of maternal complications. This paper provides an overview of the indications and characteristics of the EXIT procedure, as well as the obstetric outcomes and maternal complications. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of patients undergoing EXIT at our center between January 2007 and December 2022. Maternal outcomes, including demographic information, data related to the surgical procedure, surgical complications, and postoperative complications were analyzed. To assess the severity of the surgical complications, a modified Clavien-Dindo classification was used. Comparative analysis was performed by randomly selecting a sample from elective cesarean deliveries performed at our center. RESULTS: A total of 34 EXIT procedures were performed. According to the modified Clavien-Dindo classification, we observed no major complications, while minor maternal complications were present in 2.94% of cases. Compared to elective cesarean deliveries (n = 350), there were no significant differences in terms of maternal complications, highlighting the similarity observed in the mean decrease in postoperative hemoglobin (1.15 g/dL in EXIT vs. 1.2 g/dL in elective cesarean deliveries, p = 0.94). In EXIT group, there was a higher rate of polyhydramnios (26.47% vs 6.59%, p < 0.001), as well as the need for amnioreduction (14.71% vs 0%, p = 0.001) and preterm delivery (32.35% vs 6.02%, p = 0.001). There were no cases of endometritis, post-procedural fever, or abruptio placentae following EXIT. CONCLUSIONS: EXIT can be considered a safe procedure when performed under adequate conditions, including appropriate uterine access and proper anesthetic management. In our series, EXIT procedure was not associated with a higher incidence of maternal complications when compared to elective cesarean delivery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.
Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Humans , Female , Retrospective Studies , Airway Obstruction/etiology , Placenta , Uterus , Cesarean Section/adverse effectsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Fetal goiter is a rare congenital disorder that can present with life-threatening neonatal airway obstruction. Lifesaving and function-preserving airway management strategies are available, but routine delivery affords a limited window for intervention. Accordingly, fetal goiter is reported among the most common indications for ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT). While EXIT prolongs the window for airway intervention to benefit the neonate, it elevates the risk to the pregnant person and requires extensive resources; therefore, data to guide ideal treatment selection are essential. This study aims to compare perinatal airway interventions between individuals with a birth hospitalization discharge diagnosis (BHDD) of goiter and the general population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals with and without BHDD of goiter were identified in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kids' Inpatient Database from 2000 to 2019. The frequency of airway interventions on day of life (DOL) 0 or 1 were compared using the Rao-Scott chi-square test. Additionally, gestational age, type of intervention, complications, mortality, birth weight, and length of stay were examined for the goiter cohort. RESULTS: Two-hundred eighty-seven weighted cases of goiter were identified in the study period. The population was 61 % male, 55 % White, and median birthweight was 3.3 kg. The median length of stay was 4.3 days, and average total charges were $42,332. Airway intervention on DOL 0 or 1 was performed in 16.9 % of individuals with goiter compared to 1.6 % in neonates without goiter (p < 0.001). Interventions in the goiter cohort included endotracheal intubation in 16 % of cases, laryngoscopy/bronchoscopy in 1-5% of cases, and tracheostomy in <1 % of cases. Fewer than 1 % of individuals undergoing intubation additionally had mass decompression/resection on DOL 0 or 1. No neonates received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Hypoxic encephalopathy occurred in <1 % of cases, among which endotracheal intubation was the only airway intervention performed. There were no mortalities among neonates with goiter. CONCLUSION: Individuals with BHDD of goiter receive significantly higher rates of perinatal airway intervention. In most cases, endoscopic interventions alone were sufficient to avoid hypoxic neurological complications. These findings contribute to data to aid in clinical counseling and empower patients to make informed decisions according to their values and treatment goals.
Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction , Fetal Diseases , Goiter , Pregnancy , Infant, Newborn , Female , Humans , Male , Inpatients , Fetal Diseases/surgery , Airway Management , Airway Obstruction/therapy , Airway Obstruction/surgery , Health Care Costs , Goiter/therapy , Goiter/complicationsABSTRACT
The ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure was originally developed to reverse tracheal occlusion in fetuses with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia that underwent fetal tracheal occlusion. The EXIT procedure has since been applied to a wide range of indications, but the primary indication remains securing a patent airway and providing respiratory support in fetuses with anticipated difficult airways. The authors review perinatal management of the anticipated difficult airway and their single-institution's experience with the EXIT procedure.
Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction , Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Cesarean Section , Tracheostomy , Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital/surgery , Fetus , Airway Obstruction/surgeryABSTRACT
In this study, we report a case of tracheotomy using the ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure in a fetus that was pointed out as having bilateral giant cervical cysts at prenatal diagnosis and whose postnatal airway occlusion was predicted. The subject was a female aged 35. She was diagnosed with polyhydramnios at 28 weeks of pregnancy. The fetus was found to have a giant cervical cyst before she was referred to the department of obstetrics and gynecology of our hospital. On the second day of 37 weeks of pregnancy, oral tracheal intubation was attempted on the fetus using the EXIT procedure after the caesarean operation, but intubation was difficult resulting in a tracheotomy. The oxygenation of the fetus during the operation was maintained well without any postoperative complication. Postnatal fetal airway occlusion is a critical incident which may lead to the death of a fetus. It was assumed, however, that the airway management under the same procedure was completed by the preoperative detailed simulation with the staff of the departments of anesthesiology, obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics as well as the operating room personnel.
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INTRODUCTION: Ex-utero intrapartum treatment has been established as an option for fetal and perinatal surgeons to deliver patients with sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs) which are causing significant fetal distress and possible in-utero fetal demise. However, ex-utero intrapartum treatment procedures carry significant maternal risk and morbidity. Herein, we report an alternative technique of Cesarean section to immediate resection (CSIR) for managing high-risk SCTs. METHODS: A retrospective institutional review board-approved review was performed on all SCTs evaluated at our fetal center from May 2014 to September 2020. Demographics; prenatal imaging characteristics; prenatal interventions; and postnatal surgery data including operative time, estimated blood loss, pathology, and outcomes were collected. Outcomes of interest included surveillance serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, imaging surveillance, developmental milestones, and the presence or absence of constipation or fecal incontinence. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients with prenatal diagnosis of SCT were evaluated. Mothers who transferred their care to another institution after diagnosis were excluded from this study. Twelve neonates underwent standard postnatal resection. Three neonates underwent emergent CSIR for high output cardiac failure, fetal anemia, or concerns for in-utero hemorrhagic rupture. The median (interquartile range) operative time was 231.5 (113) minutes for the standard operative group versus 156 min in the CSIR group. We present three patients who underwent immediate resection after emergent Cesarean section. We report 100% survival for the three consecutive cases. CONCLUSIONS: CSIR is a safe and feasible approach for managing appropriately selected high-risk SCTs with signs of hydrops, fetal distress, or fetal anemia. Despite patient prematurity, we demonstrated 100% survival of three consecutive cases. We suggest that CSIR be considered an option in the management algorithm for high-risk SCTs.
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INTRODUCTION: Large congenital neck tumors can cause neonatal death due to airway obstruction. The aim of this study was to report outcomes of the first cohort of fetuses with neck masses and suspected airway obstruction managed with fetal laryngoscopy (FL) and fetal endoscopic tracheal intubation (FETI) to secure fetal airways and avoid ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort of consecutive fetuses with neck masses that were candidates for an EXIT procedure due to suspicion of laryngeal and/or tracheal occlusion on ultrasonographic (US) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination were recruited for FL in a tertiary referral center in Queretaro, Mexico. FETI was performed if the obstruction was confirmed by FL. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Between January 2012 and March 2023, 35 cases with neck masses were evaluated. Airway obstruction was suspected in 12/35 (34.3%), either by US in 10/35 (28.6%) or by fetal MRI in 2/35 (5.7%). In all cases, FL was successfully performed at the first attempt at a median gestational age (GA) of 36+5 (range, 33+5-39+6) weeks+days, with a median surgical time of 22.5 (12-35) min. In 4 cases, airway patency was confirmed during FL and an EXIT procedure was avoided. In 8/12 cases (66.7%), airway obstruction was confirmed during fetoscopy and FETI was successfully performed at a median GA of 36+3 (33+2-38+5) weeks+days, with a median surgical time of 25.0 (range, 12-45) min. No case required an EXIT procedure. All patients underwent conventional cesarean delivery with no maternal complications and all neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with a correctly positioned endotracheal tube (ETT) immediately after delivery. Three neonatal deaths (37.5%) were reported due to postnatal unplanned extubation, failed ETT replacement, and tumoral bleeding. CONCLUSION: In fetuses with neck masses and suspected airway obstruction, FL and FETI are feasible and could replace EXIT procedures with good maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction , Laryngoscopy , Pregnancy , Female , Infant, Newborn , Humans , Laryngoscopy/adverse effects , Intubation, Intratracheal/adverse effects , Intubation, Intratracheal/methods , Fetus , Prenatal Care , Airway Obstruction/diagnostic imaging , Airway Obstruction/surgery , Airway Obstruction/etiologyABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Neonates with cardiorespiratory compromise at delivery are at substantial risk of hypoxic neurologic injury and death. Though mitigation strategies such as ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) exist, the competing interests of neonatal beneficence, maternal non-maleficence, and just distribution of resources require consideration. Due to the rarity of these entities, there are few systematic data to guide evidence-based standards. This multi-institutional, interdisciplinary approach aims to elucidate the current scope of diagnoses that might be considered for such treatments and examine if treatment allocation and/or outcomes could be improved. METHODS: After IRB approval, a survey investigating diagnoses appropriate for EXIT consultation and procedure, variables within each diagnosis, occurrence of maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes, and instances of suboptimal resource allocation in the last decade was sent to all North American Fetal Treatment Network center representatives. One response was recorded per center. RESULTS: We received a 91% response rate and all but one center offer EXIT. Most centers (34/40, 85%) performed 1-5 EXIT consultations per year and 17/40 (42.5%) centers performed 1-5 EXIT procedures in the last 10 years. The diagnoses with the highest degree of agreement between centers surveyed to justify consultation for EXIT are head and neck mass (100%), congenital high airway obstruction (90%), and craniofacial skeletal conditions (82.5%). Maternal adverse outcomes were noted in 7.5% of centers while neonatal adverse outcomes in 27.5%. A large percentage of centers report cases of suboptimal selection for risk mitigation procedures and several centers experienced adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study captures the scope of EXIT indications and is the first to demonstrate the mismatch in resource allocation for this population. Further, it reports on attributable adverse outcomes. Given suboptimal allocation and adverse outcomes, further examination of indications, outcomes, and resource use is justified to drive evidence-based protocols.
Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction , Fetal Diseases , Fetal Therapies , Pregnancy , Female , Infant, Newborn , Humans , Fetal Diseases/diagnosis , Uterus , Cesarean Section , North AmericaABSTRACT
Airway obstruction diagnosed antenatally in the fetus due to congenital high airway obstruction syndrome or nasopharyngeal masses are the primary indications for performing an operation on placental support. Prenatally diagnosed nasopharyngeal masses pose the risk of total airway obstruction upon delivery. Placental support utilises uteroplacental blood flow to facilitate an airway intervention on the fetus while maintaining oxygenation. These interventions must be completed in under 20 min due to amniotic fluid loss and uterine contractions. This case report describes the anaesthetic management of a fetus with a nasal teratoma. In this report, we discuss the clinical indications and anaesthetic considerations of the operation on placental support procedure for nasopharyngeal masses.
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INTRODUCTION: Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is a rare condition that can progress to fetal hydrops and demise in utero or at birth unless interventions are undertaken to alleviate the tracheal obstruction. While the ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure for airway stabilization is technically feasible, abnormal pulmonary development as a result of the antenatal obstructive process may result in severe postnatal respiratory complications. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of CHAOS with secondary hydrops treated in utero at 24 0/7 weeks' gestation by fetoscopic tracheal decompression via laser perforation of the airway obstruction. Interval imaging after the fetoscopic operation demonstrated resolution of the fetal hydrops. Tracheostomy for airway stabilization was performed at the time of the EXIT procedure near term (36 0/7 weeks). The patient underwent tracheal reconstruction and decannulation at 3 years of life. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The primary goal of fetoscopic airway evaluation and intervention is not necessarily to perform definitive stabilization of the airway but rather to achieve sufficient decompression of the trachea to reverse fetal hydrops and salvage pulmonary development. In utero fetoscopic treatment may allow for prolongation of the pregnancy with delivery at or near term via EXIT procedure for definitive neonatal airway stabilization.
Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction , Laryngoscopy , Infant, Newborn , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Laryngoscopy/adverse effects , Hydrops Fetalis/surgery , Ex utero Intrapartum Treatment Procedures , Airway Obstruction/diagnostic imaging , Airway Obstruction/surgery , Trachea/surgeryABSTRACT
Background: Antenatally diagnosed sacrococcygeal teratoma has been associated with risks of perinatal complications and death, especially when the foetus has symptoms of cardiac insufficiency, hydrops or anemia in utero; however, the method of intervention remains controversial. Case: A 25-year-old pregnant woman was found to have a cystic and solid tumor in the fetal sacrococcygeal region at 16 weeks of gestation. As the tumour grew, the mother developed polyhydramnios accompanied with gestational diabetes. Fetal and tumorous hemodynamics were closely monitored by ultrasound. Abnormal cardiac function was detected at 31 weeks' gestation, and we creatively performed pre-emptive delivery through the ex-utero intrapartum treatment with debulking. The teratoma was removed with utero-placental circulation support. The operation proceeded smoothly with favourable prognosis for both mother and newborn. Conclusion: The ex-utero intrapartum treatment may improve the prognosis for fetuses with heart failure when they reach viable gestation.
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BACKGROUND: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is characterized by defects in the fetal diaphragm and thoracic herniation of the abdominal viscera. The ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure is used to establish the fetal airway while on placental support. These EXIT procedures are commonly performed under general anesthesia, which increases maternal bleeding and the risk of insufficient placental perfusion subsequently. This study investigated the feasibility of performing neuraxial anesthesia for the EXIT procedure for fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia to improve outcomes. METHODS: Parturients with fetal CDH who underwent an EXIT procedure between January 2019 and May 2021 in our institution were recruited. Variables evaluated included gestational age, surgical time, intra-operative blood loss, peri-operative hemoglobin, maternal complications, fetal lung-to-head ratio, time on placental bypass, and postnatal outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-two cases were included. All procedures were performed under neuraxial anesthesia. The median gestational age at the time of the EXIT procedure was 37â¯weeks. The median estimated blood loss was 200â¯mL. There was no report of an adverse maternal event. The placental bypass time was 142.9⯱â¯72.6â¯s, and access to the airway was successfully established within the bypass time. Twenty-one neonates reached an Apgar score of 9 at 5â¯min. In the first two hours after birth, the average pH of neonatal peripheral arterial blood was 7.35⯱â¯0.07 (n=19), and lactate level 1.85⯱â¯0.71â¯mmol/L (n=19). CONCLUSIONS: In the EXIT procedure to establish an airway for fetal CDH, neuraxial anesthesia proved a feasible technique for maternal anesthesia.
Subject(s)
Anesthesia , Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital , Infant, Newborn , Female , Pregnancy , Humans , Infant , Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital/surgery , Placenta , Gestational Age , Prenatal CareABSTRACT
Intact atrial septum (IAS), occurring in â¼10% of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), conveys significant neonatal morbidity and mortality. Perinatal interventions have been described, but outcomes remain poor. We present a fetus with HLHS with IAS who underwent immediate novel postnatal atrial appendage anastomosis, thus achieving rapid left atrial decompression. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).
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Fetal airway obstruction that present during birth are challenging to manage. Cervical and thoracic mass may cause significant airway compression that leads to irreversible fetal morbidity and mortality. With the current advancement in prenatal diagnosis and assessment for surgical planning, EXIT has become an accepted, recognized and preferred option for safe delivery in complex head and neck masses. Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) is a life-saving procedure that provides time to establish an airway while maintaining uteroplacental circulation. It requires flawless coordination amongst multidisciplinary team to ensure immediate and safe baby deliveries. Retrospective review of EXIT procedures performed from the initial establishment of pediatric otolaryngology service in this centre starting from January 2019 to December 2020. Based on the prenatal diagnosis, five EXIT cases were performed in this centre within 2 years. 4 cases were diagnosed as lymphatic malformation and 1 immature teratoma with cervical and thoracic compression. 4 babies successfully delivered to airway without any complications with 1 death resulting from disseminated intravascular coagulopathy after EXIT. This review of five EXIT procedures aims to bring forth the different outcomes, preoperative planning and sharing our experience as a tertiary and newly established centre. Early prenatal diagnosis, good collaboration and experience among multidisciplinary team ensures good long term outcomes.
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BACKGROUND: A fetal-onset cervical mass may cause postnatal airway obstruction, and ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) to secure the airway while maintaining fetal-placental circulation may be life-saving. Malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRT) are highly aggressive tumors, and when they develop in utero, the prognosis is even worse, with almost no reports of survival beyond the neonatal period. Herein, we report a case of a primary cervical MRT and describe our treatment using EXIT for securing the airway, wherein the infant's life was saved. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old Japanese woman with no relevant medical or surgical history was diagnosed with a fetal left cervical mass and polyhydramnios during the third trimester. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging indicated the possibility of postnatal airway obstruction, and delivery using EXIT was planned. The infant was delivered by a planned cesarean section at 39 weeks and 5 days gestation, and tracheostomy was performed using EXIT. Postnatal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed suspected metastatic lesions in the subcutaneous tissue, lungs, and thymus, in addition to the mass in the left cervical region. MRT was diagnosed by biopsy of a subcutaneous mass in the left thigh, and chemotherapy with vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and etoposide was initiated. The tumors regressed, and the infant was successfully weaned from artificial ventilation. After discharge from the hospital, she had a recurrent cervical mass and intracranial metastasis, and radiotherapy was initiated. CONCLUSIONS: In our case, fetal diagnosis enabled advance planning of delivery using EXIT, thus saving the infant's life. The use of chemotherapy for MRT, which has a poor prognosis, allowed tumor regression and enabled the infant to survive beyond the neonatal period.
Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction , Rhabdoid Tumor , Adult , Airway Obstruction/etiology , Cesarean Section/adverse effects , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Placenta , Pregnancy , Prenatal Diagnosis , Rhabdoid Tumor/diagnostic imaging , Rhabdoid Tumor/therapyABSTRACT
We report a full-term male neonate found to have undiagnosed syngnathia requiring extensive resuscitation at birth followed by urgent tracheostomy. We conducted a systematic literature review to study the presentation, resuscitation methods, and outcomes of neonates with congenital syngnathia. Of the 174 cases reported to date, 91 had initial resuscitation data available. Extensive resuscitation was required in 16 of these 91 infants (18%). This ranged from nasal intubation to emergent tracheostomy. These neonates are potentially higher risk deliveries for which methods in addition to those recommended by the American Heart Association neonatal resuscitation guidelines may be needed.
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PURPOSE: To investigate antenatally-determined imaging characteristics associated with invasive airway management at birth in patients with cervical masses, as well as to describe postnatal management and outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of 52 patients with antenatally diagnosed neck masses was performed using single-center data from January 2008 to January 2019. Antenatal imaging, method of delivery, management, and outcomes data were abstracted from the medical record and analyzed. RESULTS: Antenatal diagnosis of neck masses in this cohort consisted of 41 lymphatic malformations (78.8%), 6 teratomas (11.5%), 3 hemangiomas (5.8%), 1 hemangioendothelioma (1.9%), and 1 giant foregut duplication cyst (1.9%). Mean gestational age at time of diagnostic imaging was 29 weeks 3 days (range: 19w4d - 37w). Overall, 22 patients (42.3%) required invasive airway management at birth, specifically 18 patients (34.6%) required endotracheal intubation and 4 (7.7%) required tracheostomy. 15 patients (28.8%) underwent ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) for the purposes of securing an airway. Polyhydramnios, tracheal deviation and compression, and anterior mass location on antenatal imaging were significantly associated with incidence of invasive airway intervention at birth, EXIT procedure, and tracheostomy during the neonatal hospitalization (p < 0.025; Fisher's exact test). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated statistically significant association between increasing antenatally-estimated mass volume and incidence of invasive airway management at birth (p = 0.02). Post-natal cervical mass management involved surgical excision (32.7%), sclerotherapy (50%), and adjuvant therapy with rapamycin (17.3%). Demise in the neonatal period occurred in 4 (7.7%) patients. CONCLUSION: This series documents the largest single-center experience of airway management in antenatally diagnosed cervical masses. Fetal imaging characteristics may help inform the appropriate method of delivery, airway management strategy at birth, and prenatal counseling.