The survival story of a child with Ondine's curse in Northland.

The case of a six year old European male with congenital central hypoventilation is reported to illustrate that survival and positive developmental outcome is possible in a remote town in the Northland. Initial and ongoing problems include persistent ventilatory requirement, medical, developmental and psychosocial issues. Positive parental attitude, meticulous care to activities of daily living, medical and psychosocial surveillance and continuing support contribute to the success in management. Various treatment options are also discussed. Primary failure of respiratory regulation, also known as congenital central hypoventilation or Ondine's curse, has been infrequently reported in children. Survival and positive developmental outcome is possible but requires intensive support and positive parental attitude, as well as parental education and ongoing medical and psychosocial surveillance. We report this case to illustrate that this could be achieved even in a remote country town.