Long term NIV in an infant with Hallermann-Streiff syndrome: A case report and overview of respiratory morbidity

Hallermann-Streiff syndrome (HSS) is a rare congenital syndrome with different anomalies including midface hypoplasia, beak nose and micrognathia. The upper airways narrowness can lead to severe respiratory complications such as obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), particularly in infancy. The management of these severe OSAS is difficult and poorly documented in literature. We report the case of an infant with HSS complicated by severe and early OSAS successfully managed with non-invasive ventilation (NIV), provide an overview of respiratory morbidities and discuss treatment options for HSS-related OSAS.

Automated summary

Hallermann-Streiff syndrome (HSS) is a rare congenital syndrome characterized by midface hypoplasia, beak nose, and micrognathia. Narrowness of the upper airways in HSS patients can lead to severe respiratory complications such as obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), especially in infancy. This case report demonstrates successful management of severe and early OSAS in an infant with HSS using non-invasive ventilation (NIV).