A randomized clinical trial of a new orthodontic appliance to improve upper airway obstruction in infants with Pierre Robin sequence.

Authors :: Buchenau W
Urschitz MS
Sautermeister J
Bacher M
Herberts T
Arand J
Poets CF
Source :: The Journal of pediatrics [J Pediatr] 2007 Aug; Vol. 151 (2), pp. 145-9. Date of Electronic Publication: 2007 Jun 22.
Publication Year :: 2007
Abstract: Objective: To test the hypothesis that a new orthodontic appliance with a velar extension that shifts the tongue anteriorly would reduce upper airway obstruction in infants with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS).<br />Study Design: Eleven infants with PRS (median age, 3 days) and an apnea index (AI) >3 were studied. The effect of the new appliance on the AI was compared with that of a conventional appliance without a velar extension by using a crossover study design with random allocation.<br />Results: Compared with baseline (mean AI, 13.8), there was a significant decrease in the AI with the new appliance (3.9; P value <.001), but no change with the conventional appliance (14.8; P = .842). Thus, the relative change in AI was -71% (95% CI, -84--49) for the new appliance and +8% (95% CI, -52-142) for the conventional appliance, which was significantly different (P = .004). No severe adverse effects were observed.<br />Conclusion: This new orthodontic appliance appears to be safe and effective in reducing upper airway obstruction in infants with PRS.

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