What Is Pierre Robin Sequence?
Pierre Robin Sequence is a condition that affects the jaw and airway at birth. Here is what parents need to know.
- Pierre Robin Sequence (also called Pierre Robin Syndrome) is a condition present at birth characterized by three main features:
- Micrognathia β a very small lower jaw
- Glossoptosis β the tongue falls backward toward the throat
- Airway obstruction β difficulty breathing
- How it affects the baby:
- Breathing β the small jaw does not support the tongue, so it falls back and blocks the airway
- Feeding β difficulty latching and swallowing
- Sleep β breathing is worse when the baby lies on its back
- Growth β feeding challenges can affect weight gain
- Positioning (mild cases):
- Placing the baby on their stomach or side (not on the back) improves airway
- Special mattresses and monitors may be used
- Nasopharyngeal airway (moderate cases):
- A small tube placed through the nose into the throat to keep the airway open
- Temporary treatment until the jaw grows
- Surgery (severe cases):
- Mandibular distraction osteogenesis β the lower jaw is surgically lengthened
- This pulls the tongue forward and opens the airway
- Performed in the first weeks or months of life
- Tracheostomy β in very severe cases, a breathing tube is placed directly into the windpipe
Many babies with Pierre Robin also have a cleft palate (usually a U-shaped cleft).
Treatment:
Natural improvement:
The lower jaw grows very quickly in the first 2 years of life. Many children outgrow the breathing and feeding difficulties.
Clinical Guidance
Pierre Robin Sequence is characterized by a small jaw, tongue that falls backward, and breathing difficulty. Many babies improve with positioning alone, but some need surgical jaw lengthening. The jaw grows rapidly in early childhood, and outcomes are generally excellent.