Mandibular distraction using bone morphogenic protein and rapid distraction in neonates with Pierre Robin syndrome

Mandibular distraction is recognized as a treatment of respiratory distress in neonates with microretrognathia as seen in the Pierre Robin syndrome. However, mandibular distraction is a complex and lengthy treatment involving 2 to 4 weeks of distraction and another 4 to 12 weeks for bone consolidation. This study was performed to establish the safety and effectiveness of rapid protocol distraction osteogenesis with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) in neonates with the Pierre Robin syndrome.

A retrospective review of all patients treated in our department between February 2003 and February 2008 was performed. Three patients with the Pierre Robin syndrome who underwent distraction osteogenesis with rhBMP-2 were identified. Inpatient and outpatient charts were reviewed for time to completion of distraction, age at distraction, need for tracheostomy, and complications of the mandibular distraction.

Three patients (6 hemimandibles) with Pierre Robin syndrome underwent rapid protocol distraction with rhBMP-2. Mean age at initial distraction was 17.3 days. Mean time from device placement to removal was 89.3 days. The complication rate was 16%, with 1 case of nonunion that required subsequent operative intervention. No patient required tracheostomy.

Rapid protocol distraction with rhBMP-2 allows distraction of the hypoplastic mandible to class III occlusion during the initial operation and avoids the latency and distraction phases of standard mandibular distraction. This case series demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of rapid distraction in neonates with Pierre Robin syndrome. Larger studies and long-term follow-up are necessary; however, this study suggests that rapid protocol distraction with rhBMP-2 is effective in neonates with Pierre Robin syndrome.