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Early home management of patients with Pierre Robin sequence
T S Olson1, D B Kearns, S M Pransky
1Department of Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA.
Insights
Robin Sequence, a condition causing breathing issues in infants, can be effectively treated non-surgically. Nasopharyngeal tubes offer a safe alternative to surgery or tracheostomy, enabling early patient discharge.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Craniofacial Anomalies
- Neonatology
Background:
- Robin Sequence is a congenital disorder affecting 1 in 2000 births.
- Key features include glossoptosis, micrognathia, and potential cleft palate, leading to respiratory obstruction.
- Airway obstruction is a significant cause of mortality in severe cases, often necessitating intensive care.
Abstract:
Robin Sequence is a well-described disorder with a reported incidence of 1 in 2000 births. It is characterized by glossoptosis and micrognathia often associated with a cleft palate. Respiratory obstruction at the level of the tongue occurs in many affected children. Prior to routine intensive care unit management, it was the primary factor in the mortality reported in patients with moderately severe to severe deformity. Treatment of this obstruction is controversial and may include a long stay in an intensive care setting. We report two cases that demonstrate properly placed and constructed nasopharyngeal tubes allow a non-surgical treatment with early discharge of the patient and without the risks and morbidity of surgery or the complications of tracheostomy.