Infant Journal
Browse articlesNeonatal presentations of Moebius sequence: A single centre experience
Moebius sequence is a rare congenital disorder characterised by facial weakness and limited abduction of the eye due to absence or dysfunction of the facial and abducens cranial nerves. This is present at birth, but diagnosis is often delayed as knowledge of Moebius sequence in the neonatal period is limited. Here we describe a series of six infants diagnosed with Moebius sequence in our neonatal unit, highlighting key clinical features, imaging findings and need for multidisciplinary intervention in the management of this condition.
Dr Rebecca Naples1Neonatal grid trainee
rebecca.naples@nhs.net
Dr Ruth Gottstein1
Consultant Neonatologist
Dr Alexander Brooks-Moizer2
Consultant Neonatologist
Dr Julija Pavaine3
Consultant Paediatric Radiologist
Dr Kristin Tanney1
Consultant Neonatologist
1St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
2Lancashire Women and Newborn Centre, East Lancashire Hospital NHS Trust
3Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; University of Manchester
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- Moebius sequence is not commonly recognised in the neonatal period, and diagnosis is often delayed.
- There were high levels of comorbidity, particularly airway abnormalities, respiratory difficulties and seizures in the group presented.
- Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion to consider this diagnosis in the neonatal period.
- Multidisciplinary intervention is essential to support affected infants.
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