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Pierre Robin syndrome - Overview

Alternative Names

Robin sequence; Pierre Robin complex; Pierre Robin anomaly

Definition of Pierre Robin syndrome:

Pierre Robin syndrome is a condition present at birth, in which the infant has a smaller than normal lower jaw, a tongue that falls back in the throat, and difficulty breathing.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The exact causes of Pierre Robin syndrome are unknown. It may be part of many genetic syndromes.

The lower jaw develops slowly before birth, but speeds up during the first year of life.

Infant hard and soft palates

Reviewed last on: 10/14/2009
Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Breugem CC, Mink van der Molen AB. What is 'Pierre Robin sequence?' J Plastic Reconstruct Aesthetic Surg. 2009;62:1555-1558.

Syndromes with oral manifestations. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 308.

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