Mandibular Nerve Palsy Incidence Following Treatment for Pierre Robin Sequence

The True Incidence of Marginal Mandibular Nerve Palsy After Neonatal MDO in PRS Patients

Protocol Description

The purpose of this study is to assess the incidence of marginal mandibular nerve palsy, or damage to the nerve that controls the muscles of the lower lip and chin, following mandible distraction osteogenesis (MDO) in infants with Pierre Robin Sequence. This can present as an asymmetric smile or chin puckering. Historically, this has been reported to occur in about 1% of MDO cases, but no research studies yet support that claim. Pierre Robin Sequence is a rare birth defect characterized by an underdeveloped jaw, displacement of the tongue, and sometimes cleft palate, which can affect breathing, feeding, and sleeping. MDO surgery lengthens the jaw to help correct these issues.

Eligibility Criteria

Children and adults who underwent MDO as an infant at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh are invited to participate in this study.
Males and Females: Up to 30 years of age

Requirements

To calculate the incidence of marginal mandibular nerve palsy, researchers from the Cleft-Craniofacial Center of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh will collect photographs and/or video of participants smiling and making other facial expressions. These images, submitted by adult participants or parents/guardians of pediatric participants, will enable researchers to assess for asymmetry. Additionally, researchers will collect medical-record data about study participants, including retrospective diagnostic, surgical, and medical history, demographic information, and radiology records.
Visits: Not applicable
Duration: Not applicable

Status: Enrolling by Invitation

Primary Investigator

Jesse A. Goldstein, MD

Contact Information

For more information about the study, please contact:
Research Specialist Jennifer Fantuzzo, BS
412-692-7949