Pierre Robin syndrome
Alternative names:
Pierre Robin's sequence
Treatment:
Infants must be kept prone (face down), which allows gravity to pull the tongue forward and keep the airway open. Feeding must be done very carefully. These problems abate over the first few years as the lower jaw grows and assumes a more normal size. Surgery is indicated for recurrent upper airway obstruction. In severe cases, the patient requires placement of a nasopharyngeal airway (a tube placed through the nose and into the airway) to avoid airway blockage. Tracheostomy is sometimes required.
Expectations (prognosis):
Choking and feeding problems may go away spontaneously as the jaw grows.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
This condition is often apparent at birth. Call if choking episodes or breathing problems increase in frequency. Airway blockage may be indicated by a high-pitched, crowing noise when inhaling (stridor) or blueness of the skin (cyanosis). Also call if other breathing problems occur.
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