Robin syndrome is a condition occurring in infants characterized by the presence of some facial abnormalities that include a very small lower jaw, tongue that tends to fall back and downward, and presence of cleft soft palate. It is also known as Pierre Robin complex or sequence.

 

Robin syndrome, also known as Pierre Syndrome is a set of certain facial malformations present at birth. Prognosis is good. Children with this syndrome grow into a healthy individual, though they may be somewhat smaller than average children of their age.

There may be difficulty in breathing and feeding during infancy but it can be overcome with adequate management.

 

Causes:

The cause of Pierre Robin syndrome is not known. It may be a part of other genetic syndromes.

 

Signs and symptoms:

• Small jaw with receding chin
• Presence of large tongue when compared to the jaw
• Cleft soft palate
• High arched palate
• Unusually placed jaw far back in the throat
• Presence of teeth when the baby is born
• Recurrent ear infections
• Falling back of tongue causing choking, feeding and breathing difficulties
• Opening in the roof of mouth leading to choking episodes

 

Treatment:

Do not put the child with this condition on the back, so that the tongue will not fall back to the airway. Feeding should be done carefully to prevent choking and breathing of liquids to the airway.

 

In some cases it may be required to place a tube through the nose into the airways to prevent blockage. Tracheostomy (a surgically created hole in the wind pipe) may be required in severe cases.

 

Complications:

• Breathing difficulties
• Feeding difficulties which some times requires the insertion of a feeding tube to prevent choking
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Congestive heart failure

 

Contact a doctor immediately if you notice:

• Choking episodes
• Breathing difficulties
• High pitched crowing noise while breathing in
• Bluish coloration of the child’s skin