My baby is 5 days old and is suffering from Pierre Robin syndrome.Kindly advice.

Hello,

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Pierre Robin syndrome consists of the following defects mostly:

• Mandibular hypoplasia - retarded growth of the lower jaw.
• Cleft palate - birth defect of the palate.
• Airway obstruction.

Kindly let us know what all defects your baby has at present and what all complications he has. Based on that he needs to be managed .

Revert back with the details to a paediatrician online for further follow up --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/paediatrician

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

• Partial respiratory obstruction can be overcome by placing the baby in prone position. This will prevent the  tongue from obstructing the airway. 

• As the baby grows, mandible (lower jaw) grows and then airway obstruction will improve. 

• Cleft palate has to be repaired, which can be done later once the baby gains weight, say after two and a half months or so, which will be accordingly planned by your surgeon. 

• Feeding problems have to be overcome, since cleft palate is a risk for aspiration. Slow feeding with a long beaked spoon will help, some babies can do direct breastfeeding. A shield which will close the cleft palate will do some help, usually done by dental surgeons. This can be used till surgical repair is performed. 

• So, as the baby grows mandible grows and hence feeding problems and airway can be managed.

• If more airway obstruction develops and feeding becomes more problematic, then tube feeding may be needed.

These are the usual problems faced with Pierre Robin syndrome and the ways they are managed.

Any other coexisting complications if exist, will have to be managed accordingly.

For further follow up, consult a paediatrician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/paediatrician