Anesthetic management in children with Hurler's syndrome undergoing emergency ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of lysosomal storage disorder characterized by progressive multiorgan accumulation of glycosaminoglycans. Patients with MPS I (Hurler's syndrome) present as one of the most difficult airway problems to be managed by anesthesiologists. Hydrocephalus with increased intracranial pressure is a frequent complication seen in these patients. The rarity of the syndrome accounts for the small number of case reports and anecdotal information on the intracranial manifestations of this syndrome. We describe the successful anesthetic management of 2 children with Hurler's syndrome who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery for acute hydrocephalus.