title: Feeding and mandibular distraction osteogenesis in children with Pierre Robin sequence: a case series of functional outcomes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In addition to upper airway obstruction, many patients with micrognathia and Pierre Robin sequence also have swallowing abnormalities and reflux. Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness in alleviating the airway symptoms with mandibular distraction osteogenesis, but very few studies have focused on feeding and reflux outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with Pierre Robin sequence who underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis with completed pre- and post-operative upper gastroesophageal series and videofluoroscopic swallow assessments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All six children in our series demonstrated significant improvements in both airway obstructive symptoms and feeding abnormalities. More specifically, all patients showed clinical and objective improvements in reflux and swallowing function after distraction surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Objective and symptomatic improvements in swallowing function and reflux disease can be seen after mandibular distraction osteogenesis in children with Pierre Robin sequence.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Paul.Hong@iwk.nshealth.ca
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Maria K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Brake
authors.forename: Jonathan P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Cavanagh
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bezuhly
authors.forename: Anthony E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Magit
mesh_terms: D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D019186:Mandibular Advancement; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction; D010855:Pierre Robin Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome