Epidemiology of Robin sequence with cleft palate in the East of Scotland between 2004 and 2013

Airway management in infants with Robin sequence in the United Kingdom and Ireland: A prospective population-based study

OBJECTIVE

There is currently no consensus about managing upper airway obstruction (UAO) in infants with Robin sequence (RS), in terms of treatment efficacy or clinical outcomes. This study describes UAO management in UK/Ireland, and explores relationships between patient characteristics, UAO management, and clinical outcomes in the first 2 years of life.

METHODS

Active surveillance of RS throughout UK/Ireland via the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit and nationally commissioned cleft services. Clinical data were collected at initial notification and 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

173 infants with RS were identified, of which 47% had additional congenital anomalies or an underlying syndrome (non-isolated RS). Two-thirds (n = 119) required an airway intervention other than prone positioning: non-surgical in 84% and surgical (tracheostomy) in 16%. Nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) was the most common intervention, used in 83% (n = 99) for median 90 days (IQR 136). Surgical UAO management was associated with prolonged hospital admission, higher prevalence of neurodevelopmental delay (NDD), lower weight-for-age z-scores, and delayed oral feeding. These findings were not attributable to a higher prevalence of non-isolated RS in this group. Although more commonly associated with non-isolated RS, growth faltering was also identified in 48%, and NDD in 18%, of cases of isolated RS.

CONCLUSIONS

In UK/Ireland, most infants with RS are managed with NPA, and tracheostomy is reserved for refractory severe UAO. Clinical outcomes and duration of use indicate that NPA is a safe and feasible first-line approach to UAO. Longitudinal assessment of neurodevelopment and growth is imperative, including in children with isolated RS. Current variations in practice reinforce the need for evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Global birth prevalence of Robin sequence in live-born infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Robin sequence (RS), a congenital disorder of jaw maldevelopment and glossoptosis, poses a substantial healthcare burden and has long-term health implications if airway obstruction is suboptimally treated. This study describes the global birth prevalence of RS and investigates whether prevalence estimates differ by geographical location, ethnicity or study data source (registry versus non-registry data). The protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO.Databases were searched using keywords and subject terms for "Robin sequence", "epidemiology", "incidence" and "birth prevalence". Meta-analysis was performed fitting random effects models with arcsine transformation.From 34 eligible studies (n=2722 RS cases), pooled birth prevalence was 9.5 per 100 000 live births (95% CI 7.1-12.1) with statistical heterogeneity. One third of studies provided a case definition for RS and numerous definitions were used. A total of 22 countries were represented, predominantly from European populations (53% of studies). There was a trend towards higher birth prevalence in European populations and lower prevalence from registry-based studies. Only two studies reported ethnicity.This study indicates that RS occurs globally. To investigate geographical differences in prevalence, additional studies from non-European populations and reporting of ethnicity are needed. Heterogeneity of estimates may be due to variable diagnostic criteria and ascertainment methods. Recently published consensus diagnostic criteria may reduce heterogeneity among future studies.

Epidemiology of Robin sequence in the UK and Ireland: an active surveillance study

BACKGROUND

Birth prevalence of Robin sequence (RS) is commonly reported as 1 case per 8000-14 000 live births. These estimates are based on single-source case ascertainment and may miss infants who did not require hospital admission or those without overt upper airway obstruction at birth.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the true birth prevalence of RS with cleft palate in the UK and Ireland from a population-based birth cohort with high case ascertainment.

METHODS

Active surveillance of RS with cleft palate was carried out in the UK/Ireland using dual sources of case ascertainment: British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) reporting card and nationally commissioned cleft services. Clinical data were collected from notifying clinicians at two time points.

RESULTS

173 live-born infants met the surveillance case definition, giving a birth prevalence of 1 case per 5250 live births (19.1 per 100 000 (95% CI 16.2 to 21.9)), and 1:2690 in Scotland. 47% had non-isolated RS, with Stickler syndrome the most common genetic diagnosis (12% RS cases). Birth prevalence derived from the combined data sources was significantly higher than from BPSU surveillance alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Birth prevalence of RS in the UK/Ireland derived from active surveillance is higher than reported by epidemiological studies from several other countries, and from UK-based anomaly registries, but consistent with published retrospective data from Scotland. Dual case ascertainment sources enabled identification of cases with mild or late-onset airway obstruction that were managed without hospital admission. Studies of aetiology and equivalent well-designed epidemiological studies from other populations are needed to investigate the identified geographical variability in birth prevalence.

Associated anomalies in Pierre Robin sequence

Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is frequently co-occurring with other non-PRS congenital anomalies. The types and the prevalence of anomalies co-occurring with PRS vary in the reported studies. The aims of this report was to study the types and the prevalence of the anomalies co-occurring with PRS in a well-studied population northeastern France. The types and the prevalence of anomalies co-occurring in cases with PRS were ascertained in all terminations of pregnancy, stillbirths and live births in 387,067 births occurring consecutively during the period 1979-2007 in the area covered by our registry of congenital anomalies which is population-based, 89 cases of PRS were registered during the study period with a prevalence of 2.29 per 10,000 births, 69.7% of the cases had associated non-PRS anomalies. Chromosomal abnormalities were present in 10 (11.2%) cases including three 22 q11.2 deletion. Non-chromosomal recognizable conditions were diagnosed in 27 cases (30.3%) including 10 Stickler syndrome, 8 Treacher Collins syndrome, 3 cases with short stature and 6 other syndromes. Multiple congenital anomalies (MCA) were present in 25 cases (28.1%). The most frequent MCA were in the ear, face and neck (35 out of 98 anomalies, 35.7%), cardiovascular (18 anomalies, 18.4%), musculoskeletal (11 anomalies, 11.2%), central nervous (7 anomalies, 7.1%), urinary (6 anomalies, 6.1%), and eye (6 anomalies, 6.1%) system. The high prevalence of associated anomalies justifies a thorough screening for other congenital anomalies in cases with PRS.

Hospitalizations from Birth to 28 Years in a Population Cohort of Individuals Born with Five Rare Craniofacial Anomalies in Western Australia

OBJECTIVE

To describe trends, age-specific patterns, and factors influencing hospitalizations for 5 rare craniofacial anomalies (CFAs).

METHODS

Data on livebirths (1983-2010; n = 721 019) including rare CFA (craniofacial microsomia, mandibulofacial dysostosis, Pierre Robin sequence, Van der Woude syndrome, and frontonasal dysplasia), episodes of death, and demographic and perinatal factors were identified from the Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies, Death Registrations and Midwives Notification System. Information on incident craniofacial and noncraniofacial related admissions, length of hospital stay, and intensive care and emergency-related admissions were identified using principal diagnosis and procedural codes were extracted from the Hospital Morbidity Data Collection and linked to other data sources. Associations of hospitalizations by age groups as well as demographic and perinatal factors were expressed as incidence rate ratio (IRR).

RESULTS

The incident hospitalizations were 3 times as high for rare CFA (IRR 3.22-3.72) throughout childhood into adolescence than those without. Children with rare CFA had 3-4 times as many potentially preventable hospitalizations until 18 years of age than those without. Specifically, respiratory infections (IRR 2.13-2.35), ear infections (IRR 7.92-26.28), and oral health-related conditions contributed for most noncraniofacial admissions until the adolescence period. A greater incidence of noncraniofacial related hospitalizations was observed among Indigenous children, births with intrauterine growth restrictions, and families with high socioeconomic disadvantage.

CONCLUSIONS

Throughout childhood, individuals with rare CFA had greater hospital service use, specifically for potentially preventable conditions, than those without. These population-level findings can inform new preventive strategies and early disease management targeted toward reducing preventable hospitalizations.

Study protocol for a multicenter, multinational, observational registry of epidemiology, treatment and outcome of patients with Robin sequence

BACKGROUND

Robin sequence (RS) is a congenital condition characterized by micrognathia, glossoptosis and upper airway obstruction. Diagnosis and treatment are characterized by heterogeneity, resulting in a lack of uniformly collected data.

METHODS

We have set up a prospective, observational, multicenter, multinational registry aimed at obtaining routine clinical data from RS patients receiving different treatment approaches and enabling an assessment of outcomes obtained through different therapeutic approaches. Patient enrolment has started in January 2022. Disease characteristics, adverse events and complications depending on the different diagnostic and treatment approaches and their effects on neurocognition, growth, speech development and hearing outcome are evaluated using routine clinical data. In addition to characterizing the patient population and comparing outcomes achieved with different treatment approaches, the registry will evolve to focus on endpoints such as quality of life and long-term developmental status.

DISCUSSION

This registry will provide data on different treatment approaches collected during routine care with diverse framework conditions and will allow assessing diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes of children with RS. These data, urgently demanded by the scientific community, may contribute to refining and personalizing existing therapeutic approaches and increase knowledge about the long-term outcome of children born with this rare condition.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

DRKS00025365.

Mandibular Measurements at the 20-Week Anatomy Ultrasound as a Prenatal Diagnostic Predictor of Pierre Robin Sequence

BACKGROUND

Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS) is characterized by micrognathia, glossoptosis, and upper airway obstruction. Early recognition and appropriate perinatal management is crucial for optimizing outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate 20-week fetal ultrasounds to determine if specific mandibular measurements could predict PRS diagnosis and disease severity.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study of 48 patients with PRS and gender-matched controls was performed. Medical records were reviewed for respiratory and surgical interventions. Three parameters to assess micrognathia were measured on mid-sagittal profile ultrasound images: frontal nasal-mental angle (FNMA), facial-maxillary angle (FMA), and alveolar overjet. Student's t-test and univariate logistic regression was performed. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Patients with PRS demonstrated a significantly smaller mean FNMA compared to the control group, 129.3 ± 8.6° and 137.4 ± 3.2°, respectively (p < 0.0001), as well as significantly smaller mean FMA, 63.2 ± 9.2° and 74.8 ± 6.1°, respectively (p < 0.0001). The PRS group also demonstrated significantly larger mean alveolar overjet compared to the control group, 3.9 ± 1.4 mm and 2.1 ± 0.9 mm, respectively (p < 0.0001). The odds of respiratory intervention increased among cases when FMA was <68°. Additionally, there was a significant difference in median overjet between patients with PRS who did and did not require respiratory intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Mandibular features on the 20-week ultrasound can be measured to predict diagnosis and severity of PRS. This is an important first step to prepare for potential respiratory intervention at delivery to minimize perinatal hypoxia. Alveolar overjet, previously not described in prenatal ultrasound literature, is measurable and has utility in prenatal screening for PRS, as do FMA and FNMA.

Syndromes associated with Robin sequence: a national prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of syndromic Robin sequence (RS) in the UK and if this group of patients had an increased need for airway and feeding management compared with a non-syndromic RS cohort.

DESIGN

A prospective national multicentre study of cases submitted to the Cleft Collective cohort studies.

SETTING

Specialist cleft services in the UK.

PATIENTS

259 participants who fulfilled the diagnosis of RS. This group was compared with 548 participants with cleft palate only (CPO).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the presence of a syndrome in patients with RS and CPO. Secondary outcome measures included the use of airway and feeding adjuncts.

RESULTS

An associated syndrome was seen in 28% of patients with RS and 14% of patients with CPO. The most common syndrome for the RS group was Stickler syndrome (27%). Syndromic status was significantly higher among patients with RS compared with those with CPO (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.65 to 3.39; p<0.001). Patients with syndromic RS have an increased reliance on airway adjuncts compared with the patients without syndromic RS (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.64; p=0.018). There was no evidence of a difference in the use of feeding adjuncts between syndromic and non-syndromic RS groups (OR 2.43, 95% CI 0.78 to 7.58; p=0.126).

CONCLUSION

The presence of a syndrome has implications for management of patients with RS. Early identification of a syndrome may help prevent the consequences of a missed syndromic diagnosis. Routine ophthalmological and genetic screening for Stickler syndrome should be mandatory for all patients with RS.

The role of the nasopharyngeal prong in craniofacial disorders in particular the Pierre Robin sequence

There are a wide range of surgical and maxillofacial options to alleviate upper airway obstruction in children with craniofacial disorders. The nasopharyngeal prong (NPP) is a simple idea where the airway obstruction arising from the posteriorly placed tongue secondary to a small mandible can be overcome quickly and without resorting to more invasive surgical procedures. The role of the NPP is of particular interest in Robin sequence (RS). RS describes a congenital anomaly with retrognathia (often with associated U-shaped cleft palate) where in some children the tongue and small jaw can significantly impact on airway patency with upper airway obstruction. The NPP is a modified endotracheal tube, of ideal diameter and cut to a desired length that can bypass the airway obstruction and regain patency to the upper airway. RS has a natural history of mandibular growth and resolution of the symptoms with time and thus the NPP presents a medium term solution precluding the need in selected children of more permanent and potentially unnecessary surgical procedures. The role of the NPP in other craniofacial disorders (either as a temporary solution or longer term option) requires further research.

Pierre Robin sequence causes position-dependent obstructive sleep apnoea in infants

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and feeding difficulties are key problems for Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) infants. OSA management varies between treatment centres. Sleep positioning represents the traditional OSA treatment, although its effectiveness remains insufficiently evaluated.

DESIGN

To complete a polysomnographic (PSG) evaluation of effect of sleep position on OSA in PRS infants less than 3 months of age. We analysed a 10-year national reference centre dataset of 76 PRS infants. PSG was performed as daytime recordings for 67 in the supine, side and prone sleeping position when possible. In most cases, recording included one cycle of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in each position.

RESULTS

One-third of infants (9/76, 12%) had severe OSA needing treatment intervention prior to PSG. During PSG, OSA with an obstructive apnoea and hypopnoea index (OAHI) >5 per hour was noted in 82% (55/67) of infants. OSA was most severe in the supine and mildest in the side or in the prone positions. The median OAHI in the supine, side and prone positions were 31, 16 and 19 per hour of sleep (p=0.003). For 68% (52/67) of the infants, either no treatment or positional treatment alone was considered sufficient.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of OSA was 84% (64/76) including the nine infants with severe OSA diagnosed prior to PSG. For the most infants, the OSA was sleep position dependent. Our study results support the use of PSG in the evaluation of OSA and the use of sleep positioning as a part of OSA treatment.

Characterization of phenotypes and predominant skeletodental patterns in pre-adolescent patients with Pierre-Robin sequence

Objective

To investigate the phenotypes and predominant skeletodental pattern in pre-adolescent patients with Pierre–Robin sequence (PRS).

Methods

The samples consisted of 26 Korean pre-adolescent PRS patients (11 boys and 15 girls; mean age at the investigation, 9.20 years) treated at the Department of Orthodontics, Seoul National University Dental Hospital between 1998 and 2019. Dental phenotypes, oral manifestation, cephalometric variables, and associated anomalies were investigated and statistically analyzed.

Results

Congenitally missing teeth (CMT) were found in 34.6% of the patients (n = 9/26, 20 teeth, 2.22 teeth per patient) with 55.5% (n = 5/9) exhibiting bilaterally symmetric missing pattern. The mandibular incisors were the most common CMT (n = 11/20). Predominant skeletodental patterns included Class II relationship (57.7%), posteriorly positioned maxilla (76.9%) and mandible (92.3%), hyper-divergent pattern (92.3%), high gonial angle (65.4%), small mandibular body length to anterior cranial base ratio (65.4%), linguoversion of the maxillary incisors (76.9%), and linguoversion of the mandibular incisors (80.8%). Incomplete cleft palate (CP) of hard palate with complete CP of soft palate (61.5%) was the most frequently observed, followed by complete CP of hard and soft palate (19.2%) and CP of soft palate (19.2%) (p < 0.05). However, CP severity did not show a significant correlation with any cephalometric variables except incisor mandibular plane angle (p < 0.05). Five craniofacial and 15 extra-craniofacial anomalies were observed (53.8% patients); this implicated the need of routine screening.

Conclusions

The results might provide primary data for individualized diagnosis and treatment planning for pre-adolescent PRS patients despite a single institution-based data.

Epidemiology of Pierre-Robin sequence in Europe: A population-based EUROCAT study

BACKGROUND

Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is a rare congenital anomaly. Respiratory disorders and feeding difficulties represent the main burden.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of PRS using a cohort of cases from EUROCAT, the European network of population-based registries of congenital anomalies.

METHODS

We analysed cases of PRS born in the period 1998-2017 collected by 29 population-based congenital anomaly registries in 17 different countries. We calculated prevalence estimates, prenatal detection rate, survival up to 1 week, and proportions of associated anomalies. The effect of maternal age was tested using a Poisson regression model.

RESULTS

Out of 11 669 155 surveyed births, a total of 1294 cases of PRS were identified. The estimate of the overall prevalence was 12.0 per 100 000 births (95% CI 9.9, 14.5). There was a total of 882 (68.2%) isolated cases, and the prevalence was 7.8 per 100 000 births (95% CI 6.7, 9.2). A total of 250 cases (19.3%) were associated with other structural congenital anomalies, 77 cases (6.0%) were associated with chromosomal anomalies and 77 (6.0%) with genetic syndromes. The prenatal detection rate in isolated cases was 12.0% (95% CI 9.8, 14.5) and increased to 16.0% (95% CI 12.7, 19.7) in the sub-period 2008-2017. The prevalence rate ratio of non-chromosomal cases with maternal age ≥35 was higher than in cases with maternal age <25 for total (PRR 1.26, 95% CI 1.05, 1.51) and isolated cases (PRR 1.33, 95% CI 1.00, 1.64). Survival of chromosomal cases (94.2%) and multiple anomaly cases (95.3%) were lower than survival of isolated cases (99.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

This epidemiological study using a large series of cases of PRS provides insights into the epidemiological profile of PRS in Europe. We observed an association with higher maternal age, but further investigations are needed to test potential risk factors for PRS.

Cleft palate morphology, genetic etiology, and risk of mortality in infants with Robin sequence

Robin sequence (RS) has many genetic and nongenetic causes, including isolated Robin sequence (iRS), Stickler syndrome (SS), and other syndromes (SyndRS). The purpose of this study was to determine if the presence and type of cleft palate varies between etiologic groups. A secondary endpoint was to determine the relationship of etiologic group, cleft type, and mortality. Retrospective chart review of patients with RS at two high-volume craniofacial centers. 295 patients with RS identified. CP was identified in 97% with iRS, 95% with SS, and 70% of those with SyndRS (p < .0001). U-shaped CP was seen in 86% of iRS, 82% with SS, but only 27% with SyndRS (p < .0001). At one institution, 12 children (6%) with RS died, all from the SyndRS group (p < .0001). All died due to medical comorbidities related to their syndrome. Only 25% of children who died had a U-shaped CP. The most common palatal morphology among those who died was an intact palate. U-shaped CP was most strongly associated with iRS and SS, and with a lower risk of mortality. RS with submucous CP, cleft lip and palate or intact palate was strongly suggestive of an underlying genetic syndrome and higher risk of mortality.

Cleft Lip and Palate in Infants With Prenatal Opioid Exposure

OBJECTIVE

This study examines phenotypic presentation and perioperative outcomes of cleft-related procedures for infants with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and prenatal opioid exposure.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective review of infants with prenatal opioid exposure treated for CL/P from 2008 to 2018.

SETTING

Patients cared for at a tertiary center from 2008 to 2018.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Eighteen patients with documented prenatal opioid exposure and CL/P had primary repairs in our unit.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The phenotypes of CL/P were characterized. Demographic data regarding additional exposures, as well as associated medical and social comorbidities were recorded. Outcome variables included operative delays, perioperative complications, and loss of follow-up.

RESULTS

Isolated cleft palate (CP; 67%) was overrepresented among patients with prenatal opioid exposure and CL/P, as was Robin sequence (50% in isolated CP). Fifty-six percent had exposure to additional substances. A majority (67%) had other medical conditions or anomalies, and 17% had known genetic syndromes. Seventy-two percent were in state custody. Thirty-nine percent of exposed patients had delays in their planned operative dates due to medical and/or social factors. There were no postoperative readmissions following cleft procedures. Lack of follow-up was noted in 33% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants with CL/P who have prenatal opioid exposure are likely to have additional medical conditions and complex social challenges.

Phenotypes, Developmental Basis, and Genetics of Pierre Robin Complex

The phenotype currently accepted as Pierre Robin syndrome/sequence/anomalad/complex (PR) is characterized by mandibular dysmorphology, glossoptosis, respiratory obstruction, and in some cases, cleft palate. A causative sequence of developmental events is hypothesized for PR, but few clear causal relationships between discovered genetic variants, dysregulated gene expression, precise cellular processes, pathogenesis, and PR-associated anomalies are documented. This review presents the current understanding of PR phenotypes, the proposed pathogenetic processes underlying them, select genes associated with PR, and available animal models that could be used to better understand the genetic basis and phenotypic variation of PR.

Methadone, Pierre Robin sequence and other congenital anomalies: case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Methadone is a vital treatment for women with opioid use disorder in pregnancy. Previous reports suggested an association between methadone exposure and Pierre Robin sequence (PRS), a rare craniofacial anomaly. We assessed the association between gestational methadone exposure and PRS.

DESIGN/SETTING

This case-malformed control study used European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies population-based registries in Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Malta, Portugal, Germany, Wales, Norway and Spain, 1995-2011.

PATIENTS

Cases included PRS based on International Classification of Disease (ICD), Ninth Edition-British Paediatric Association (BPA) code 75 603 or ICD, Tenth Edition-BPA code Q8708. Malformed controls were all non-PRS anomalies, excluding genetic conditions, among live births, fetal deaths from 20 weeks' gestation and terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomalies. An exploratory analysis assessed the association between methadone exposure and other congenital anomalies (CAs) excluding PRS. Methadone exposure was ascertained from medical records and maternal interview.

RESULTS

Among 87 979 CA registrations, there were 127 methadone-exposed pregnancies and 336 PRS cases. There was an association between methadone exposure and PRS (OR adjusted for registry 12.3, 95% CI 5.7 to 26.8). In absolute terms, this association reflects a risk increase from approximately 1-12 cases per 10 000 births. A raised OR was found for cleft palate (adjusted OR 5.0, 95% CI 2.7 to 9.2).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that gestational methadone exposure is associated with PRS. The association may be explained by unmeasured confounding factors. The small increased risk of PRS in itself does not alter the risk-benefit balance for gestational methadone use. The association with cleft palate, a more common CA, should be assessed with independent data.