Pierre Robin Syndrome / Bird Facies

A very small lower jaw is the commonest finding in Pierre Robin syndrome. But the growth of the mandible seems to normalize by the 5th year of life, it however gives a characteristic appearance called as "bird facies."

The tongue can turn backwards and appears to fall into the throat.

The combination of a small lower jaw and the reverse tongue gives rise to acute breathing problems in a child because of airway blockage.

Defects of the middle ear can lead to hearing loss

Speech defects are common in Pierre Robin syndrome because of the unusual higly placed poition of the tongue and the lower jaw.

Heart defects have also been encountered in this condition.

Several muscular abnormalities like abnormally flexible joints and clubfeet are known to occur.

Nervous system problems might include a delay in the understanding and development of language skills and ometimes can present as fits (epilepsy).

A testis may not descend normally and is seen in 25 percent of the cases.