CHAOS

CHAOS (Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome) is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition in which a fetus's airway is blocked or narrowed. This obstruction can occur at any level of the airway, including the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), or bronchi (the two main branches of the trachea that lead to the lungs). The condition is congenital, meaning it is present at birth and is usually diagnosed through prenatal ultrasound.

The exact cause of CHAOS is not well understood, but it is thought to result from genetic mutations or developmental anomalies during fetal growth. The obstruction leads to a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary hyperplasia) and can cause the fetus's lungs to overinflate, putting pressure on the heart and leading to heart failure or hydrops fetalis, a severe, life-threatening condition characterized by excessive fluid accumulation in the fetus.

Treatment for CHAOS is highly specialized and depends on the severity and location of the obstruction. In some cases, prenatal interventions such as fetal surgery may be considered to relieve the obstruction before birth. After birth, immediate airway management is critical, and surgery is often required to ensure the newborn can breathe properly.

Due to its rarity, CHAOS is a challenging condition to manage, and outcomes can vary widely. Early diagnosis through prenatal screening and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment involving specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, neonatology, pediatric surgery, and pediatric otolaryngology are crucial to improving outcomes for affected infants.