Clinical implications of de Barsy syndrome.

BACKGROUND: De Barsy syndrome is a rare, autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by cutis laxa, progeroid appearance, ophthalmic opacification, skeletal malformations, growth delays, and intellectual disability.

AIMS: The aim of this case series is to identify the anesthetic considerations in the clinical management of patients with de Barsy syndrome.

METHODS: A retrospective case review from 1968 to 2016 was performed at a single tertiary medical center to identify patients with de Barsy syndrome who underwent anesthesia for diagnostic and surgical procedures. We collected and analyzed the perioperative records and following data: age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, relevant comorbidities, surgical procedures, anesthesia management, and observed complications.

RESULTS: Three patients underwent 64 unique anesthetics for a diverse collection of diagnostic and surgical procedures. An array of anesthetics and techniques were successfully used. Observations of the perioperative period found 7 episodes of intraoperative hyperthermia (>38.3°), a single difficult airway requiring fiberoptic bronchoscopic-guided intubation, and repeatedly difficult intravenous access.

CONCLUSION: This expanded case series suggests that providers caring for patients with de Barsy syndrome should be aware of potential challenges with airway management, vascular access, and temperature monitoring.