Prevalence of selected pediatric conditions in children with Pierre Robin sequence.

Abstract

Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is a congenital abnormality characterized by micrognathia and glossoptosis, with or without cleft palate. Patients with PRS may demonstrate various pediatric conditions such as associated syndromes, respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, or middle ear pathology. The purpose of this study was to determine, by means of a retrospective computerized review of patient records, the presence of these pediatric conditions in a sample of 55 confirmed patients with PRS. Five patients (9.1%) exhibited associated syndromes; 20 (36.4%) had respiratory distress requiring no assistance; and 10 (18.2%) exhibited severe respiratory distress requiring tracheotomy. A total of 30 patients (54.5%) had early feeding difficulties requiring mechanical assistance to maintain adequate nutrition, and 50 (90.9%) had multiple episodes of otitis media. Chi-square analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between the presence of respiratory difficulties and the need for feeding assistance (P = 0.012); and a highly significant relationship between the presence of otitis media and subsequent myringotomy tube placement (P < 0.001). Pediatric dentists who treat children with PRS should be aware of these relationships when obtaining medical history before establishing strategies to implement a treatment plan.