Case report: Congenital alacrima with Pierre Robin syndrome presents management challenge

Congenital alacrima coexisting with Pierre Robin syndrome can present lifelong management challenges to the ophthalmologist and patient, according to a case study.

In the August issue of Cornea, Sudesh K. Arya, MS, and colleagues describe the case of a 6-month-old child diagnosed with Pierre Robin syndrome who also exhibited dysfunctional lacrimation since birth. The child developed bilateral corneal ulcers.

Continuous tear supplementation and appropriate treatment with antibiotics controlled the microbial infection. The long-term prognosis of visual rehabilitation remained poor, however, because of the presence of central corneal opacities, persistent dry eye and possible sensory deprivation amblyopia, according to the authors.

Alacrima can cause significant ocular morbidity, the authors noted. Lifelong tear supplementation may be necessary.