Robin sequence

Here are some of the basics about Robin sequence:

• Robin sequence (also known as Pierre Robin sequence [MSP1] is a congenital condition in which a baby is born with a smaller-than-normal jaw that is positioned farther back than normal.

• Because of the placement of the jaw and the smaller-than-normal mouth, the tongue can easily fall back and block the baby’s airway.

• A baby with Robin sequence will have difficulty breathing or eating.

• Many babies with Robin sequence also have a cleft palate because the tongue is positioned so far back and high in the throat, which prevents the normal development of the hard palate.

• Robin sequence can occur by itself or as part of a syndrome such as such as Stickler syndrome or velo-cardio-facial syndrome (also known as DiGeorge syndrome or 22q11 deletion syndrome). However, 70 percent of the babies who have Robin sequence do not have an associated syndrome.

Robin sequence can be very serious in infants because it can cause difficulties with breathing and with feeding. At Boston Children’s we have effective treatments to help manage your baby’s condition. Typically, if your baby is born with Robin sequence, he will need treatment before he can go home.

How Boston Children's approaches Robin sequence
At Boston Children's, children with Robin sequence are treated through the Craniofacial Anomalies Program—a multidisciplinary program that provides comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and management of patients living with craniofacial anomalies such as Robin sequence.

Robin sequence: Reviewed by David Kim, MD. © Boston Children’s Hospital; posted in 2012.