Which statement best describes Pierre Robin sequence and its relation to cleft lip/palate?

• A. It is a condition of macroglossia with normal airway risk.
• B. Pierre Robin sequence is characterized by micrognathia, glossoptosis, and often cleft palate; increases airway risk and may accompany cleft palate but not necessarily cleft lip.
• C. It always includes cleft lip.
• D. It is unrelated to cleft lip/palate.

Answer: (B)

Pierre Robin sequence is defined by a small jaw (micrognathia) and the tongue sitting back toward the throat (glossoptosis), which often leads to airway obstruction. Because the tongue’s position interferes with normal palate development, a cleft palate is common, though not every infant has a cleft lip. This combination explains why airway risk is a central concern with PRS and why it may be present alongside cleft palate without necessarily involving the lip.

This makes the statement the best fit: it highlights the characteristic triad and the frequent association with cleft palate, while noting that cleft lip is not required. The other descriptions don’t align with PRS—for example, macroglossia with normal airway risk contradicts the typical airway compromise seen in PRS; stating it always includes cleft lip ignores cases with cleft palate only; and declaring it unrelated to cleft lip/palate contradicts the strong link between PRS and palatal clefts.