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Orofacial characteristics of the very low-birth-weight preterm infants

Dóris Rocha Ruiz1, Edna Maria de Albuquerque Diniz1, Vera Lúcia Jornada Krebs1

  • 1Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Pediatria, Disciplina de Pediatria Neonatal e Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Jornal De Pediatria
|February 22, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Very low-birth-weight preterm infants exhibit distinct orofacial characteristics, including a retrognathic mandible and a prevalent overbite-overjet gum pad relationship. Early orofacial evaluation is crucial for these infants to promote oral health.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Craniofacial Development

Background:

  • Premature birth, particularly very low birth weight, can impact infant development.
  • Orofacial structures are critical for feeding, breathing, and speech.
  • Understanding the specific orofacial characteristics of very low-birth-weight infants is essential for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the orofacial characteristics of very low-birth-weight preterm infants.
  • To compare anthropometric facial measures, anteroposterior orofacial analysis, and gum pad relationships with full-term infants.
  • To highlight the importance of neonatal orofacial assessment.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted orofacial examinations on 154 infants, divided into very low-birth-weight preterm (Group A, n=54) and full-term (Group B, n=100) infants.
  • Utilized anthropometric facial measurements and orofacial anteroposterior analysis.
  • Assessed the relationship between gum pads.

Main Results:

  • Very low-birth-weight infants showed a retrognathic mandible relative to the maxilla (99% of cases).
  • The most prevalent gum pad relationship in preterm infants was overbite-overjet (43%), compared to full-term infants (77%).
  • Anthropometric measurements differed between groups, with preterm infants having smaller facial widths.

Conclusions:

  • Very low-birth-weight preterm infants present with specific orofacial features, including a retrognathic mandible and a tendency towards overbite-overjet.
  • Neonatal hospitalization provides a critical window for orofacial evaluation and intervention.
  • A multidisciplinary approach, considering birth weight and gestational age, is vital for promoting oral health in preterm infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
Newborn/growthPreterm infantVery low-birth weight

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