Does neonatal ankyloglossia interfere in the growth of infants during the first 6 months of life? A case series nested in a cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Ankyloglossia is commonly reported as one of the major causes of breastfeeding difficulty. There is a lack of research on infant growth and latching performance with clinical measures.

CASES PRESENTATION: We describe a series of eight clinical cases (three female and five male infants) in a specialized breastfeeding center in a tertiary hospital in Northeast Brazil. The mothers were of mixed race and ranged from 13 to 41 years of age. Ankyloglossia was diagnosed within the first 48 hours after delivery. We measured the standards of growth, the mothers' perception of breastfeeding, and a pain indicator, and performed an assessment of breastfeeding. The regularity of breastfeeding was maintained despite the early diagnosis of ankyloglossia. Growth indicators were not affected in the sixth month in any of the babies, with only one measuring below expectations in the third month, with no impact on general health.

CONCLUSIONS

In the cases reported in this paper, the infants overcame the initial difficulties in breastfeeding and maintained their normal growth course in the first 6 months of life.