# Dentoskeletal characteristics of non-syndromic pierre robin sequence and isolated incomplete cleft palate children: a retrospective case control study

## TL;DR

This study compares the dentoskeletal features of children with Pierre Robin sequence and cleft palate to identify markers for micrognathia.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific dentoskeletal indicators that can help distinguish non-syndromic Pierre Robin sequence from isolated cleft palate.

## Key findings

- The ANB angle was significantly greater in the PRS group compared to the control group.
- The PRS group had a significantly lower ArGo/GoPo ratio compared to the control group.
- The lower pharyngeal airway space was reduced in the PRS group.

## Abstract

Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is characterized by micrognathia, glossoptosis, and upper airway obstruction. This study aimed to compare the dentoskeletal characteristics of children diagnosed with non-syndromic PRS and those with cleft palate.

This study was conducted on the non-syndromic PRS patients in the database of our hospital. The control group of non-syndromic isolated incomplete cleft palate patients was matched from the same database by age, gender and weight in a 1:3 ratio. The dentoskeletal characteristics were compared between the PRS and control groups.

The study included 14 patients in the PRS group and 42 patients in the control group. A point-Nasion-B point (ANB) angle was significantly greater in the PRS group compared with the control group. The PRS group exhibited a significantly lower ratio of the linear distance between Articulare and Gonion (ArGo) to the distance between Gonion and Pogonion (GoPo) compared to the control group. Additionally, the anteroposterior length and area of the lower pharyngeal airway space (LPAS) were markedly reduced in the PRS group.

The ANB angle, the ArGo/GoPO ratio and the anteroposterior length and area of LPAS could serve as valuable indicators to identify micrognathia in patients with non-syndromic PRS.