warfarin and Nasal-Obstruction

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.

Topics: Calcinosis; Cartilage Diseases; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Nasal Obstruction; Nose; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Warfarin

Warfarin is a synthetic oral anticoagulant that crosses the placenta and can lead to a number of congenital abnormalities known as fetal warfarin syndrome. Our aim is to report on the follow-up from birth to age 8 years of a patient with fetal warfarin syndrome. He presented significant respiratory dysfunction, as well as dental and speech and language complications. The patient was the second child of a mother who took warfarin during pregnancy due to a metallic heart valve. The patient had respiratory dysfunction at birth. On physical examination, he had a hypoplastic nose, pectus excavatum, and clubbing of the fingers. Nasal fibrobronchoscopy showed upper airway obstruction due to narrowing of the nasal cavities. He underwent surgical correction with Max Pereira graft, zetaplasty, and osteotomies for the piriform aperture. At dental evaluation, he had caries and delayed eruption of the upper incisors. Speech and language assessment revealed high palate, mouth breathing, little nasal patency, and shortened upper lip. Auditory long latency and cognitive-related potential to auditory stimuli demonstrated functional changes in the cortical auditory pathways. We believe that the frequency of certain findings observed in our patient may be higher in fetal warfarin syndrome than is appreciated, since a significant number result in abortions, stillbirths, or children evaluated in the first year of life without a follow-up. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach and long-term monitoring of these patients may be necessary.

Topics: Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; Auditory Perceptual Disorders; Child; Female; Fetus; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Mothers; Nasal Bone; Nasal Obstruction; Osteotomy; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Tooth Abnormalities; Warfarin

With the increase in the number of patients undergoing warfarin therapy, reports of complications due to such therapy have become frequent. Although upper airway obstruction secondary to bleeding resulting from warfarin therapy is rare, it is a life-threatening complication because of the risk of airway obstruction. Only one previous case of hematoma of the epiglottis and arytenoids has been reported. We here in report a case of an 83-year-old woman on warfarin therapy who presented with a sore throat. On flexible nasoendoscopy, edema of the epiglottis and bilateral arytenoids with a red and purple hue were observed. The left true vocal cord was erythematous, but the airway was adequately maintained. The PT-INR of the patient was 10. She was managed conservatively and had a good course.

Topics: Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Arytenoid Cartilage; Cefazolin; Epiglottis; Female; Fibrinolytic Agents; Hematoma; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Infusions, Intravenous; Nasal Obstruction; Pharyngitis; Warfarin