Moebius syndrome as a disorder of neonatal recurrent aspiration

Abstract EN

Moebius syndrome (MBS) is a rare disease characterized by non-progressive congenital nontraumatic palsy of the facial and abducens cranial nerves and could be unilateral or bilateral.

A four-month-old boy with Moebius syndrome was transferred to the pediatric ICU with persistent respiratory acidosis and respiratory failure that required endotracheal intubation.

Subsequently, he presented with aspiration pneumonia and sepsis, secondary to underlying central hypoventilation and aspiration.

He is currently on long-term ventilation and aspiration prophylaxis.

This case reveals the association between Moebius syndrome and gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) with nocturnal central hypoventilation; it highlights the need for close monitoring and protection of the airways until the age of two years