Abstract
Objective: Determine benefits of early intervention in neonates with symptomatic retrognathia who underwent bilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) within the first 90 days of life as relates to growth, need for supportive care, and further invasive procedures.
Method: Retrospective chart review of neonates who underwent bilateral MDO in the past 5 years. Inclusion criteria included MDO performed within the first 90 days of life. Outcome measures included length of hospital stay, growth, oral intake, supportive home care needs, and time to cleft repair.
Results: Twenty-five patients were identified as meeting inclusion criteria. Mean age at distraction was 29 days and average discharge is POD#14. No patients required home oxygen on discharge, most patients were able to begin oral diet, and growth curves stabilized. No patients required tracheotomy. Early MDO intervention facilitates earlier and less complicated palate repair. A cost-based analysis is included.
Conclusion: Early intervention with MDO in neonates facilitates decreased length of hospital stay, less need for supportive care, fewer invasive procedures, and improved growth stabilization. In addition cleft repair is done earlier and with less likelihood of complication. MDO is a cost-effective and beneficial intervention in neonates with symptomatic retrognathia.
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