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Foetal Warfarin Syndrome—a complex airway problem

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

J. D. T. Mason ,
A. Jardine  and
K. P. Gibbin
J. D. T. Mason*
Affiliation:
Nottingham
A. Jardine
Affiliation:
Nottingham
K. P. Gibbin
Affiliation:
Nottingham
*
J. D. T. Mason, F.R.C.S., Department of ENT, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham.
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Abstract

Premature cartilaginous calcification and nasal hypoplasia following first trimester exposure to warfarin are known as the Foetal Warfarin Syndrome (FWS). There are over 40 cases reported in the literature, many of which describe breathing and feeding difficulties in the first few months of life. We report a case where a child had had difficulties breathing and feeding in the first months of life. These had been attributed to nasal hypoplasia. After proper ENT assessment the child benefitted from adenoidectomy.

ENT surgeons should be aware of the syndrome as more women of child bearing age are taking warfarin following cardiac surgery and treatment of thromboembolic disease. ENT surgeons may be asked to review these children who often present with airway and feeding problems which have been attributed to nasal hypoplasia.

Keywords

Foetal developmentFoetal Warfarin SyndromeNasal obstruction
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 106 , Issue 12 , December 1992 , pp. 1098 - 1099
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1992

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