ASPHYXIAL ATTACKS IN THE NEWBORN INFANT DUE TO CONGENITAL OCCLUSION OF THE POSTERIOR NARES

Abstract

Asphyxial attacks in newborn infants may occasionally be due to congenital occlusion of the posterior nares. The diagnosis may be made by observation of the infant during feeding, by inability to pass a catheter or probe through the nares into the nasopharynx and by roentgenographic studies with lipiodol in the nasal passages. Treatment is surgical and may be carried out successfully in early infancy if the condition is bilateral, Treatment of the unilateral cases may be deferred to later childhood. Autopsy on a case of sudden asphyxial death in an infant should not be considered complete until the nasal openings are examined.