Which feature of Pierre Robin sequence is most associated with airway obstruction?

• A. Micrognathia
• B. Posterior cleft palate
• C. Glossoptosis
• D. Nasal regurgitation

Answer: (C)

In Pierre Robin sequence, the airway obstruction is mostly due to the tongue falling backward into the throat, a condition called glossoptosis. The small lower jaw (micrognathia) makes the oral space tight, so the tongue is displaced toward the back of the airway. When the tongue sits posteriorly, it tends to block the airway, especially during feeding or sleep. The cleft palate that often accompanies this sequence is a consequence of the tongue’s disrupted position, not the primary blocker of airflow. Nasal regurgitation is more about feeding issues from the cleft palate than airway blockage. So the feature most closely tied to airway obstruction is glossoptosis.