van Lieshout MJS, Joosten KFM, Koudstaal MJ, van der Schroeff MP, Dulfer K, Mathijssen IMJ, Wolvius EB.
Clin Oral Investig. 2017 Jul;21(6):1971-1978.
Sixty-three children with Robin sequence were evaluated with respect to breathing. The children who had a adequate breathing pattern as an infant when treated with prone positioning only, rarely encountered breathing difficulties at a later age. Usually, children with a syndromic form of Robin sequence encountered more breathing difficulties as an infant and required additional measures to support respiration. They are also more likely to remain at risk for obstructive sleep apnea at an older age, and thus require careful monitoring until adulthood.
Quality of life in children with Robin sequence.
Dulfer K, van Lieshout MJ, van der Schroeff MP, Koudstaal MJ, Mathijssen IM, Wolvius EB, Joosten KF.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2016 Jul;86:98-103.
Parent and children with Robin sequence aged between 1 and 18, were asked to fill out quality of life questionnaires. Overall, the parents gave a lower quality of life score than parents of healthy children, particularly if their child had respiratory issues. Ten patients scored their own quality of life and reported less physical suffering and less emotional distress than healthy children.
Robin sequence: A European survey on current practice patterns.
van Lieshout MJ, Joosten KF, Mathijssen IM, Koudstaal MJ, Hoeve HL, van der Schroeff MP, Wolvius EB.
J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2015 Oct;43(8):1626-31
This European survey including 101 clinics, shows that there is a large variation in definition of Robin sequence, making its diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Given the enormous variation in all these aspects, there is an obvious need for an international guideline to optimize patient care.
Respiratory Distress Following Cleft Palate Repair in Children With Robin sequence.
van Lieshout MJ, Voshol IE, Joosten KF, van der Schroeff MP, Mathijssen IM, Koudstaal MJ, Wolvius EB.
Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2016 Mar;53(2):203-9.
This study compares closure of a cleft palate in 30 children with and 45 without Robin sequence. Closure of the palate in children with Robin sequence was only done if the overnight breathing study, with the child wearing a palatal plate, was normal. Timing of palatal closure was thus a bit more delayed in children with Robin sequence (mean age 12.4 months) compared to children without Robin sequence (mean age 10.9 months). Despite this difference, 30% of the children with Robin sequence developed respiratory distress immediately following palatoplasty, which lasted a few days. This illustrates that patients with Robin sequence should be closely monitored after closure of the palate.