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Upper-Lip Frenum as a Predictive Marker for Unexpected and Unexplained Asphyxia in Infants
Rare Disorders Journals: Diagnosis & Therapy 2016 (Vol.2 No.2:38)
Written by: Leslie A Haller, DMD and Theodore Brown, MD
Abstract:
Objective: To determine if there is a relationship between restricted upper-lip frenums (upper lip ties) and unexpected and unexplained asphyxia (UUA) in infants.
Methods: A retrospective review was done of 327 UUA cases from Miami-Dade County, FL and Harris County, TX. Using autopsy photos, upper-lip frenums were classified by degree of restriction. Statistical analysis was done to compare the occurrence of restricted upper-lip frenums in this UUA population to a baseline for the general population. The difference was statistically significant at the 99% confidence level.
Conclusion: There is a very strong statistical correlation between restricted upper-lip frenums and UUA infant deaths.
About: Leslie Haller, DMD (www.tonguetiesouthflorida.com)
In 1992 Dr. Haller graduated first in her class from Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She is a general dentist with specialized training in laser dentistry and advanced training in diagnosing and treating tongue and upper lip-ties. She now does laser frenectomies on infants, children, adults and the elderly at Tongue Tie South Florida in Lauderhill, FL. She is passionate about the advantages of using a CO2 laser for frenectomies and the amazing difference a safe and simple procedure can have in people’s lives. She is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the Academy of Laser Dentistry.
About: Theodore Brown, MD
Dr. Brown is a pathologist specializing in forensic pathology currently completing a fellowship at the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner Department.
