Importance: Tongue tie (TT) is a condition that can cause infant feeding difficulties due to restricted tongue movement. When TT presents as a significant barrier to breastfeeding, a frenotomy may be recommended. Universally accepted diagnostic criteria for TT are lacking and wide prevalence estimates are reported. New referral processes and a Frenotomy Assessment Tool were implemented in one Canadian health region to connect breastfeeding dyads with a provider for TT evaluation and frenotomy.
Objective: To determine the proportion of babies with TT as well as the frequency of frenotomy.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included infants who initiated breastfeeding at birth and were referred for TT evaluation over a 14-month period. Data were collected retrospectively by chart review and analyzed using SPSS. Factors associated with frenotomy were examined using logistic regression.
Results: Two hundred and forty-one babies were referred. Ninety-two percent (n = 222) were diagnosed with TT and 66.0% (n = 159) underwent frenotomy. In the multivariate model, nipple pain/trauma, inability to latch, inability to elevate tongue, and dimpling of tongue on extension were associated with frenotomy (P < 0.05). Most referrals in our region resulted in a diagnosis of TT; however, the number of referrals was lower than expected, and of these two-thirds underwent frenotomy.
Interpretation: TT is a relatively common finding among breastfed infants. Future research should examine whether a simplified assessment tool containing the four items associated with frenotomy in our multivariate model can identify breastfed infants with TT who require frenotomy.
The onset of critical rare diseases (RDs) in children is rapid and dangerous, accompanied by a high mortality rate, which brings a heavy burden to both families and society. Multiple malformations, neuromuscular diseases, metabolic diseases, and heart diseases are the most common types of RDs in children of China, often manifesting with multiple organ dysfunction. At present, the diagnosis and treatment of critical RDs in children face challenges such as prolonged diagnosis time, a high misdiagnosis rate, limited treatment modalities, and a significant disease burden. However, with the progress in genetic testing technology, the establishment of multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment platforms, and the implementation of relevant RD policies in China, children with critical RDs will received enhanced medical services, experience improved prognoses, and reintegrate into social life.