[Assessment and management of difficult airways in neonates with Pierre Robin sequence].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the difficult airways preoperatively in neonates with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS).

METHODS: A total of 18 newborn PRS with difficult intubation were evaluated with the assessment grade. The scores were based upon clinical observation, weight gain, airway obstruction and Cormack-Lehane classification.

RESULTS: A total of 14 neonates (77%) had medium (n = 8) and severe (n = 6) airway obstruction. And 89% (n = 16) failed to display glottis and unsuccessful tracheal intubation (50%).

CONCLUSION: The assessment practice of clinical observation, weight gain, airway obstruction and Cormack-Lehane classification may help to identify the difficult airways in neonates with PRS.