Awake Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy to diagnose glossoptosis in Robin Sequence patients

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.

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.

Objectifying Micrognathia Using Three-Dimensional Photogrammetric Analysis

BACKGROUND

Micrognathia occurs isolated and as part of entities like Robin sequence (RS). An objective measurement of mandible size and growth is needed to determine the degree of micrognathia and enable a comparison of treatment outcomes. A pilot study was conducted to investigate the usability of 3-dimensional (3D) facial photogrammetry, a fast, noninvasive method, to estimate mandible size and growth in a small cohort of newborns and infants.

METHODS

Exterior mandibular volume was estimated using a tetrahedron defined by 4 facial landmarks. Twelve patients with RS with different etiologies were selected and photogrammetric images were obtained prospectively in 3 patients with RS in whom mandibular growth in the first year of life was determined. We used 3 tetrahedra defined by 6 landmarks on mandibular computed tomography (CT) scans to estimate an interior mandibular volume, which we compared to the exterior mandibular volume in 10 patients.

RESULTS

The exterior mandibular volume using 3D photography could be determined in all patients. Signature heat maps allowed visualization of facial dysmorphism in 3D; signature graphs demonstrated similarities of facial dysmorphism in patients with the same etiology and differences from those with other diagnoses and from controls. The correlation between interior (3D photogrammetry) and exterior mandibular volumes (CT imaging) was 0.8789.

CONCLUSION

The 3D facial photogrammetry delineates the general facial characteristics in patients with different syndromes involving micrognathia, and can objectively estimate mandibular volume and growth, with excellent correlation with bony measurement. It has been concluded that 3D facial photogrammetry could be a clinically effective instrument for delineating and quantifying micrognathia.

Management and outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea in children with Robin sequence, a cross-sectional study

Objective

The objective of this cross-sectional study is to assess the prevalence, course, and management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with Robin sequence (RS) aged 1–18 years.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 63 children aged 1 to18 years with RS. Patient data were collected on baseline characteristics and management. OSA was evaluated by polysomnography.

Results

Sixty-three children with RS were included (median age 8.0 years) and divided into two groups based on the initial treatment: prone positioning or respiratory support. Respiratory support was more often indicated in children with a non-isolated RS (p < 0.05). At cross section, in the prone positioning group (n = 32), one child was diagnosed with OSA. In the respiratory support group (n = 31), 13 children (42 %) had respiratory problems of whom 10 needed respiratory support.

Conclusions

Between the age of 1 and 18 years, almost one out of four children with RS still has respiratory problems. Children with RS, who can be treated with prone positioning only as an infant, are not likely to develop obstructive airway problems at a later age. In contrast, children who need respiratory support early after birth are at risk of continuing or re-developing OSA after the age of 1 year.

Clinical relevance

This study shows that those who need respiratory support at an early age need careful monitoring until adulthood.