 Pierre Robin Sequence
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Pierre Robin sequence is a combination of birth defects that usually include a small lower jaw, cleft palate and a tendency for the tongue to "ball up" in the back of the mouth.
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The precise cause is unknown. No known food, medication, or activity during pregnancy can cause Pierre Robin sequence.
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Pierre Robin sequence is rare. Most cases are sporadic, meaning they occur once in a family, with a low chance of it occurring in another pregnancy.
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In addition to the physical characteristics common to the condition, children with Pierre Robin sequence may have the following problems:
- Breathing problems
- Feeding problems in infancy
- Ear infections
- Hearing loss
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Since a child is born with Pierre Robin sequence, it is usually diagnosed at birth by the physical signs.
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Depending on the severity of the disorder, a child with Pierre Robin sequence may require some or all of the following surgeries:
- Surgery to repair the cleft palate
- Special devices to protect the airway and aid in feeding
- Surgery to improve breathing (tongue-lip adhesion)
- Surgery to improve feeding
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