Pierre Robin Airway — FRCA Final MCQ

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ModeratePaediatric AnaesthesiaPierre Robin AirwayFRCA Final

An 8-month-old infant (8 kg) with Pierre Robin sequence requires general anaesthesia for bilateral myringotomy. The key airway challenge is:

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Correct answer: C — Micrognathia with glossoptosis causing difficult mask ventilation and laryngoscopy

Pierre Robin sequence consists of the triad: micrognathia (small mandible), glossoptosis (posterior displacement of the tongue), and cleft palate. The micrognathia and glossoptosis cause the tongue to fall posteriorly, resulting in difficult mask ventilation, difficult laryngoscopy, and potential complete airway obstruction. Management: lateral/prone positioning, oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, and preparation for advanced techniques (video laryngoscopy, fibreoptic intubation). The LMA often provides a useful rescue airway.

Reference: APA/DAS – 2015 – Paediatric difficult airway guidelines; RCOA – 2023 – Paediatric module