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Growth in children with Pierre Robin sequence and isolated cleft palate
S Laitinen1, A Heliövaara, A Pere
1Department of Pedodontics and Orthodontics, University of Helsinki, Children's Hospital, Finland.
Insights
Children with Pierre Robin sequence experienced initial growth delays but caught up to peers. Premature birth or associated anomalies worsened growth outcomes in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Growth and Development
- Craniofacial Anomalies
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Pierre Robin sequence is a congenital condition characterized by a specific triad of facial abnormalities.
- Growth patterns in children with Pierre Robin sequence require detailed assessment to understand long-term outcomes.
- Isolated cleft palate serves as a relevant comparison group for growth studies in craniofacial conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare postnatal growth trajectories of children with Pierre Robin sequence versus isolated cleft palate.
- To identify factors influencing growth deficits in children with Pierre Robin sequence.
- To establish growth benchmarks for children with Pierre Robin sequence using contemporary standards.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study design analyzing growth data from birth to 12 years.
- Utilized height and weight measurements collected from child health centers and schools.
- Employed Finnish relative weight and SD scores for standardized growth assessment.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in birth size was observed between Pierre Robin sequence and isolated cleft palate groups compared to Finnish norms.
- Children with Pierre Robin sequence exhibited shorter stature and lower weight during the first year post-birth.
- Catch-up growth was observed in the Pierre Robin sequence group, reaching parity with the isolated cleft palate group and Finnish norms by later childhood.
Conclusions:
- Early postnatal growth deficits in Pierre Robin sequence are often transient, with catch-up growth occurring over time.
- Prematurity and the presence of associated anomalies are significant risk factors for more pronounced and persistent growth deficiencies in Pierre Robin sequence.
- Growth monitoring and early intervention strategies are crucial for optimizing outcomes in children with Pierre Robin sequence.
Abstract:
Postnatal height and weight growth were assessed in 50 children (20 boys) with Pierre Robin sequence and in 58 children (27 boys) with isolated cleft palate, born in 1967-86. The height and weight measurements from birth to 12 years were collected retrospectively from child health centers and schools. The current Finnish relative weight and SD scores for height were used for growth assessment. The birth size of children with Pierre Robin sequence did not differ from those with isolated cleft palate or from healthy children, on the basis of Finnish norms. During the first year after birth, children with Pierre Robin sequence were shorter and lighter than those with isolated cleft palate but later caught up with them and the Finnish norms. Children with Pierre Robin sequence born prematurely or with associated anomalies showed more deficient growth.