A patient diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis requires extensive dental treatment. Given the systemic manifestations of this condition, which setting is MOST appropriate for care?

Correct answer: C. Hospital setting under general anaesthesia

• A. Home care cannot provide the monitoring, suction, or emergency support these patients need.
• B. Outpatient care with local anaesthesia alone does not address the behavioural limitations and airway risk typical of this population.
• C. Correct. Mucopolysaccharidoses (Hurler, Hunter, Morquio and related lysosomal storage disorders) cause glycosaminoglycan deposition in soft tissue producing MACROGLOSSIA, thickened gingiva, tonsillar and adenoidal hypertrophy, a short neck, cervical spine instability, restrictive lung disease and cardiac valve disease. This combination creates a genuinely DIFFICULT AIRWAY and high anaesthetic risk, so comprehensive dental care belongs in a hospital with anaesthesia support and airway rescue immediately available.
• D. A routine office lacks the airway rescue capability and monitoring these patients require.

Note: These patients are a classic 'difficult airway' scenario. Intellectual disability plus airway compromise plus cardiac disease = hospital-based comprehensive care under GA in a single visit.