Mechanisms of airway obstruction in Robin sequence: implications for treatment

Abstract

Though the problems associated with Robin sequence may be numerous, especially if the primary cause of the sequence is a multiple anomaly syndrome, the most acute problems in affected newborns is upper airway obstruction. Until recently it has been tacitly assumed that glossoptosis is always the cause of the airway obstruction. More recent evidence has shown that the sources of airway obstruction are multiple and the cause of apnea heterogeneous. The purpose of this paper is to report the mechanisms of upper airway obstruction in 53 infants with Robin sequence. The use of flexible fiber optic endoscopy to specify treatment is discussed in detail.