International Pediatric ORL Group (IPOG) Robin Sequence consensus recommendations

Sensory-Motor-Oral Stimulation Combined with Early Sucking During the Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis Process in Children with Robin Sequence

OBJECTIVE

To describe the findings of children with Robin Sequence (RS) who received sensory-motor-oral stimulation combined with early sucking during mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO), compared with children who did not receive the intervention.

DESIGN

A quasi-experimental study. Setting: A tertiary public hospital. Patients: Children with RS referred to MDO. A historical group from the same population but managed according to the institution's standard protocol (no sucking) served as a control group. Interventions: Sensory-motor-oral stimulation, including sucking, starting 24 h after MDO (intervention group). Main Outcome Measure: Our hypothesis is that sensory-motor-oral stimulation, including sucking during the DOM process, do not negatively affect surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine children were included. Eight (72.7%) of the 11 patients in the intervention group and 13 (72.2%) of the 18 controls had MDO complications, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 1.000). The most common surgical outcome was antibiotic therapy for surgical site infection (76.2%). Six months after MDO, 22 (75.9%) children attained full oral feeding or associated with alternative feeding methods.

CONCLUSION

The intervention group did not have higher complication rates, from a surgical point of view, than control group. The protocol adopted by some centers that contraindicates sucking during MDO should be revised to consider the benefits of such stimulation. Keywords: Pierre Robin Syndrome, deglutition, therapeutics, child development.

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis in children with Pierre Robin sequence: long-term analysis of teeth and jaw growth

Treatment of children with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) having a hypoplastic mandible and upper airway distress after birth may consist of external distraction devices. Shape anomalies of the permanent molars and positional changes due to surgery have been documented. The aim of this study is to compare the long-term effects (>5 years) on the growth pattern of PRS-patients treated with an external mandibular distraction device with no-surgery cases and to investigate the dental development or damage. A retrospective cohort study was performed. PRS-patients with and without surgery were included. A digital cephalometric analysis was made to evaluate the growth pattern of the mandible between groups as well as with normal values. Nine of 19 patients underwent an external mandibular distraction. All children were extubated after 4-5 days with no signs of respiratory distress. Screw and device loosening presented in one patient. The articular and sellar angles were significantly larger and smaller, respectively, in the Surgery group. Mandibular distraction surgery might result in a 'growth boost' compared to the No-surgery group. No significant difference in dental development was found. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is an effective way of relieving severe upper airway obstruction.

Surgical Outcome and Treatment Trends in 1289 Infants with Micrognathia: A Multicenter Cohort

BACKGROUND

Studies of infants with micrognathia, especially Robin sequence, are limited by its rarity and both phenotypic and diagnostic variability. Most knowledge of this condition is sourced from small, single-institution samples.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study including infants with micrognathia admitted to 38 Children's Hospital Neonatal Consortium centers from 2010 through 2020. Predictor variables included demographic data, birth characteristics, cleft, and syndrome status. Outcome variables included length of stay, death, feeding or respiratory support, and secondary airway operations.

RESULTS

A total of 1289 infants with micrognathia had surgery to correct upper airway obstruction. Mean age and weight at operation were 34.8 ± 1.8 weeks and 3515.4 ± 42 g, respectively. A syndromic diagnosis was made in 150 (11.6%) patients, with Stickler (5.4%) and Treacher Collins (2.2%) syndromes being the most common. Operations included mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) in 66.3%, tracheostomy in 25.4%, and tongue-lip adhesion (TLA) in 8.3%. Patients receiving a tracheostomy had lower birthweight, head circumference, gestational age, and Apgar scores. Patients undergoing MDO were less likely to need a second airway operation compared with patients undergoing TLA (3.5% versus 17.8%; P < 0.001). The proportion of infants feeding exclusively orally at hospital discharge differed significantly, from most to least: MDO, TLA, and tracheostomy. Hospital length of stay was not statistically different for patients who had MDO or TLA, but was longer for those with primary tracheostomy. The mortality rate was low for all operations (0.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this surgical patient cohort, MDO was associated with shorter hospital stay, improved oral feeding, and lower rates of secondary airway operations. Prospective multicenter studies are necessary to support these conclusions.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Risk, III.

Evaluation of hard palate and cleft morphology in neonates with Pierre Robin Sequence and Cleft Palate Only

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to establish a fully digital measurement protocol for standardizing the description of hard palate and cleft morphology in neonates with an isolated cleft palate (CPO) and Pierre Robin sequence (PRS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 20 digitized plaster models of neonates with CPO and 20 digitized plaster models of neonates with PRS were retrospectively investigated. For the control group, the hard palate was segmented from 21 pre-existing 1.5 T MRI datasets of neonates and exported as an STL file. The digital models were marked with predefined reference points by three raters. Distance, angular, and area measurements were performed using Blender and MeshLab.

RESULTS

Neonates with CPO (20.20 ± 2.33 mm) and PRS (21.41 ± 1.81 mm) had a significantly shorter hard palate than the control group (23.44 ± 2.24 mm) (CPO vs. control: P < .001; PRS vs. control: P = .014). Notably, neonates with PRS (33.05 ± 1.95 mm) demonstrated a significantly wider intertuberosity distance than those with CPO (30.52 ± 2.28 mm) (P = .012). Furthermore, there were also significant differences measured between the cleft and control groups (25.22 ± 2.50 mm) (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The data from this study demonstrate the feasibility of using MRI datasets to generate digital models of the hard palate. The presence of a cleft palate leads to pronounced adaptations of the total palatal surface area, dorsal width, and length of the hard palate. Mandibular retrognathia and altered tongue position in PRS, as opposed to CPO, might further impact palatal morphology and intertuberosity distance.

Application of the MicroNAPS Classification for Robin Sequence

OBJECTIVE

The only findings consistent among infants with Robin sequence (RS) are the presence of micrognathia, glossoptosis, and upper airway obstruction (UAO). Feeding and growth dysfunction are typical. The etiopathogenesis of these findings, however, is highly variable, ranging from sporadic to syndromic causes, with widely disparate levels of severity. This heterogeneity has created inconsistency within RS literature and debate about appropriate workup and treatment. Despite several attempts at stratification, no system has been broadly adopted.

DESIGN

We recently presented a novel classification that is summarized by the acronym MicroNAPS. Each of 5 elements is scored: Micrognathia, Nutrition, Airway, Palate, Syndrome/comorbidities, and element scores are summarized into a "stage".

RESULTS

Testing of this system in a sample of 100 infants from our center found it to be clinically relevant and to predict important management decisions and outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

We herein present an interactive website (www.prscalculator.com) and printable reference card for simple application of MicroNAPS, and we advocate for this classification system to be adopted for clinical care and research.

Spectrum of Disease in Hospitalized Newborns with Congenital Micrognathia: A Cohort of 3,236 Infants at North American Tertiary-Care Intensive Care Units

OBJECTIVE

To describe the spectrum of disease and burden of care in infants with congenital micrognathia from a multicenter cohort hospitalized at tertiary care centers.

STUDY DESIGN

The Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database was queried from 2010 through 2020 for infants diagnosed with micrognathia. Demographics, presence of genetic syndromes, and cleft status were summarized. Outcomes included death, length of hospitalization, neonatal surgery, and feeding and respiratory support at discharge.

RESULTS

Analysis included 3,236 infants with congenital micrognathia. Cleft palate was identified in 1266 (39.1%). A genetic syndrome associated with micrognathia was diagnosed during the neonatal hospitalization in 256 (7.9%). Median (IQR) length of hospitalization was 35 (16, 63) days. Death during the hospitalization (n = 228, 6.8%) was associated with absence of cleft palate (4.4%, P < .001) and maternal Black race (11.6%, P < .001). During the neonatal hospitalization, 1289 (39.7%) underwent surgery to correct airway obstruction and 1059 (32.7%) underwent gastrostomy tube placement. At the time of discharge, 1035 (40.3%) were exclusively feeding orally. There was significant variability between centers related to length of stay and presence of a feeding tube at discharge (P < .001 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

Infants hospitalized with congenital micrognathia have a significant burden of disease, commonly receive surgical intervention, and most often require tube feedings at hospital discharge. We identified disparities based on race and among centers. Development of evidence-based guidelines could improve neonatal care.

Therapeutic Management with Airway Clearance in Children with Robin Sequence and Association with Swallowing Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Dysphagia in Robin Sequence can be present in varying degrees, requiring multidisciplinary management and specific swallowing assessment by a specialist. Most studies published to date have evaluated only respiratory outcomes, and the available evidence on the improvement of swallowing is questionable. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating swallowing in children with Robin Sequence before and after airway clearance procedures. The research question was developed based on the PICO strategy. The literature search was performed in electronic databases and gray literature. Studies were selected by 3 independent reviewers. The risk of bias and level of evidence of the studies were assessed. A proportion meta-analysis was performed to calculate the prevalence of dysphagia after airway clearance procedures. The search identified 4938 studies, 5 of which were included. All studies had limitations in terms of design and sample size. The prevalence of dysphagia after airway clearance was obtained by analyzing treatment subgroups: mandibular distraction osteogenesis, mandibular distraction osteogenesis + tracheostomy tube, and nasopharyngeal tube. Clinical and/or instrumental assessment was assessed by a swallowing specialist. The meta-analysis was precluded by the limitations of the studies, especially regarding sample size, which affected the accuracy of the findings. Dysphagia remained unresolved in 55% of children (95% CI 1-99%). The methodological quality of the studies indicated a high risk of bias and very low level of evidence. It was not possible to confirm that airway clearance techniques used in Robin Sequence improve dysphagia.

The neonatal airway

Safe and effective management of the neonatal airway requires knowledge, teamwork, preparation and experience. At baseline, the neonatal airway can present significant challenges to experienced neonatologists and paediatric anaesthesiologists, and increased difficulty can be due to anatomical abnormalities, physiological instability or increased situational stress. Neonatal airway obstruction is under recognised, and should be considered an emergency until the diagnosis and physiological implications are understood. When multiple types of difficulties are present or there are multiple levels of anatomical obstruction, the challenge increases exponentially. In these situations, preparation, multi-disciplinary teamwork and a consistent hospital-wide approach will help to reduce errors and morbidity.

MicroNAPS: A Novel Classification for Infants with Micrognathia, Robin Sequence, and Tongue-based Airway Obstruction

Background

Robin sequence (RS) describes a heterogeneous population with micrognathia, glossoptosis, and upper airway obstruction (UAO). Workup, treatment, outcomes assessment, and research inclusion are widely variable. Despite several classifications and algorithms, none is broadly endorsed. The objective of this investigation was to develop and trial a novel classification system designed to enhance clinical communication, treatment planning, prognostication, and research.

Methods

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. A classification system was developed with five elements: micrognathia, nutrition, airway, palate, syndrome/comorbidities (MicroNAPS). Definitions and a framework for "stage" assignment (R0-R4) were constructed. Stage "tongue-based airway obstruction" (TBAO) was defined for infants with glossoptosis and UAO without micrognathia. MicroNAPS was applied to 100 infants with at least 1-year follow-up. Clinical course, treatment, airway, and feeding characteristics were assessed. Descriptive and analytic statistics were calculated and a P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Of the 100 infants, 53 were male. Mean follow-up was 5.0 ± 3.6 years. R1 demonstrated feeding-predominant mild RS for which UAO was managed nonoperatively but gastrostomy tubes were prevalent. R2 was characterized by airway-predominant moderate RS, typically managed with mandibular distraction or tongue-lip adhesion, with few gastrostomy tubes and short lengths-of-stay. R3 denoted severe RS, with similar UAO treatment to R2, but with more surgical feeding tubes and longer admissions. R4 represented a complex phenotype with 33% tracheostomies, protracted hospitalizations, and delayed palatoplasty. R0 ("at risk") and TBAO groups displayed the most variability.

Conclusions

MicroNAPS is easy to use and associated with relevant disease characteristics. We propose its adoption in clinical and research settings.

Analysis of Upper Airway Flow Dynamics in Robin Sequence Infants Using 4-D Computed Tomography and Computational Fluid Dynamics

Robin Sequence (RS) is a potentially fatal craniofacial condition characterized by undersized jaw, posteriorly displaced tongue, and resultant upper airway obstruction (UAO). Accurate assessment of UAO severity is crucial for management and diagnosis of RS, yet current evaluation modalities have significant limitations and no quantitative measures of airway resistance exist. In this study, we combine 4-dimensional computed tomography and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to assess, for the first time, UAO severity using fluid dynamic metrics in RS patients. Dramatic intrapopulation differences are found, with the ratio between most and least severe patients in breathing resistance, energy loss, and peak velocity equal to 40:1, 20:1, and 6:1, respectively. Analysis of local airflow dynamics characterized patients as presenting with primary obstructions either at the location of the tongue base, or at the larynx, with tongue base obstructions resulting in a more energetic stenotic jet and greater breathing resistance. Finally, CFD-derived flow metrics are found to correlate with the level of clinical respiratory support. Our results highlight the large intrapopulation variability, both in quantitative metrics of UAO severity (resistance, energy loss, velocity) and in the location and intensity of stenotic jets for RS patients. These results suggest that computed airflow metrics may significantly improve our understanding of UAO and its management in RS.

Accuracy and Reliability of 4D-CT and Flexible Laryngoscopy in Upper Airway Evaluation in Robin Sequence

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the performance of 4-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) in assessing upper airway obstruction (UAO) in patients with Robin sequence (RS) and compare the accuracy and reliability of 4D-CT and flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy (FFL).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective survey of retrospective clinical data.

SETTING

Single, tertiary care pediatric hospital.

METHODS

At initial and 30-day time points, a multidisciplinary group of 11 clinicians who treat RS rated UAO severity in 32 sets of 4D-CT visualizations and FFL videos (dynamic modalities) and static CT images. Raters assessed UAO at the velopharynx and oropharynx (1 = none to 5 = complete) and noted confidence levels of each rating. Intraclass correlation and Krippendorff alpha were used to assess intra- and interrater reliability, respectively. Accuracy was assessed by comparing clinician ratings with quantitative percentage constriction (QPC) ratings, calculated based on 4D-CT airway cross-sectional area. Results were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum and signed-rank tests.

RESULTS

There was similar intrarater agreement (moderate to substantial) with 4D-CT and FFL, and both demonstrated fair interrater agreement. Both modalities underestimated UAO severity, although 4D-CT ratings were significantly more accurate, as determined by QPC similarity, than FFL (-1.06 and -1.46 vs QPC ratings, P = .004). Overall confidence levels were similar for 4D-CT and FFL, but other specialists were significantly less confident in FFL ratings than were otolaryngologists (2.25 and 3.92, P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Although 4D-CT may be more accurate in assessing the degree of UAO in patients with RS, 4D-CT and FFL assessments demonstrate similar reliability. Additionally, 4D-CT may be interpreted with greater confidence by nonotolaryngologists who care for these patients.