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What is Pierre
Robin sequence?
- Pierre Robin
sequence is a condition characterized by a wide U-shaped cleft
of the palate and a small lower jaw with the tongue positioned
toward the back of the mouth. This combination of features can
make it difficult or impossible to feed or breathe normally. A
baby with Pierre Robin may need special procedures at birth to
ensure adequate breathing and feeding.
What special
treatment will my child need?
- The child
should be seen shortly after birth by the nurse from the Craniofacial
Center to establish adequate feeding and breathing. The child
should then be seen for a full team evaluation.
- If the tongue
obstructs the airway or if the child is having any breathing difficulties,
he or she will be referred to the pediatric pulmonary clinic.
The child may need a lip-tongue plication. This procedure brings
the tongue forward by attaching it temporarily to the lower lip,
opening the airway so the baby can breathe more freely.
- An infant
with Pierre Robin usually must be bottle-fed (with breast milk
or formula) using special nipples. Because of the extra effort
to breathe and swallow, many babies require supplemental calories.
- A hearing
test is recommended, and ventilating tubes are usually placed
in the ears at the time of palate surgery to reduce the risk of
ear infections. Ear infections are more common for a child with
a cleft palate.
- An eye examination
is usually recommended as associated eye anomalies are not unusual.
- Palate surgery
will take place around 10 months of age or later if the lower
jaw is still retruded.
- Surgery usually
takes about 2-3 hours and the infant remains in the hospital one
or two nights.
- Orthodontic
treatment (braces) may or may not be necessary in early adolescence.
- We expect
normal speech after cleft palate repair. In some cases speech
therapy is necessary or a second palate surgery is needed.
- A child with
Pierre Robin may encounter social and emotional challenges unique
to this condition. Support organizations and resources are available
for children and their families (see Support
Information).
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