Anesthetic management of an infant with Joubert syndrome for cardiac surgery

J Clin Anesth. 2013 Sep;25(6):488-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2013.02.013. Epub 2013 Aug 17.

Abstract

The anesthetic implications of Joubert syndrome in an infant who required cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is presented. Children with Joubert syndrome present with central apnea due to malformations in the midbrain and cerebellum. These patients have a marked sensitivity to opioids. The use of dexmedetomidine along with remifentanil was effective in this case.

Keywords: Anesthesia; Apnea; Cardiac surgery; Congenital anomalies; Dexmedetomidine; Joubert syndrome; Neonatology; Opioids.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple
  • Anesthesia, Inhalation / methods*
  • Anesthetics, Inhalation / administration & dosage
  • Cardiopulmonary Bypass
  • Cerebellar Diseases / complications
  • Cerebellar Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cerebellar Diseases / surgery*
  • Cerebellum / abnormalities
  • Eye Abnormalities / complications
  • Eye Abnormalities / diagnosis
  • Eye Abnormalities / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Kidney Diseases, Cystic / complications
  • Kidney Diseases, Cystic / diagnosis
  • Kidney Diseases, Cystic / surgery*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Methyl Ethers / administration & dosage
  • Pulmonary Valve Stenosis / surgery*
  • Retina / abnormalities*
  • Retina / surgery
  • Sevoflurane
  • Sleep Apnea, Central / etiology

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Inhalation
  • Methyl Ethers
  • Sevoflurane

Supplementary concepts

  • Agenesis of Cerebellar Vermis