Rebecca R Hill1, Christopher S Lee2, Britt F Pados2. 1. MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 First Avenue, Boston, MA, 02129, USA. rhill@mghihp.edu. 2. Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite the low level of evidence supporting the correction of tongue-tie for breastfeeding problems, recognition and treatment has increased substantially over the past 15 years. Prevalence reporting of tongue-tie is variable. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively synthesize the prevalence of tongue-tie in children aged <1 year and to examine the psychometric properties of the assessment tools used for diagnosing tongue-tie in these studies. METHODS: PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines were followed, with selection of studies and data extraction verified by two authors. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to determine an overall prevalence rate, prevalence by infant sex, and prevalence by diagnostic method. RESULTS: There were 15 studies that met inclusion criteria. Overall prevalence of tongue-tie (N = 24,536) was 8% (95% CI 6-10%, p < 0.01). Prevalence was 7% in males and 4% in females. Prevalence was 10% when using a standardized assessment tool compared to 7% when using visual examination alone (p = 0.16). Available assessment tools for diagnosis of tongue-tie do not have adequate psychometric properties. CONCLUSIONS: Tongue-tie is a common anomaly, which has the potential to impact infant feeding. Development of a psychometrically sound assessment of tongue-tie is needed. IMPACT: The overall prevalence of tongue-tie in infants aged <1 year is 8%. Available diagnostic tools for tongue-tie do not have adequate psychometric testing. Prevalence data can assist health care providers in the recognition of tongue-tie as a potential barrier to infant feeding to promote maternal breastfeeding success.
BACKGROUND: Despite the low level of evidence supporting the correction of tongue-tie for breastfeeding problems, recognition and treatment has increased substantially over the past 15 years. Prevalence reporting of tongue-tie is variable. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively synthesize the prevalence of tongue-tie in children aged <1 year and to examine the psychometric properties of the assessment tools used for diagnosing tongue-tie in these studies. METHODS: PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines were followed, with selection of studies and data extraction verified by two authors. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to determine an overall prevalence rate, prevalence by infant sex, and prevalence by diagnostic method. RESULTS: There were 15 studies that met inclusion criteria. Overall prevalence of tongue-tie (N = 24,536) was 8% (95% CI 6-10%, p < 0.01). Prevalence was 7% in males and 4% in females. Prevalence was 10% when using a standardized assessment tool compared to 7% when using visual examination alone (p = 0.16). Available assessment tools for diagnosis of tongue-tie do not have adequate psychometric properties. CONCLUSIONS: Tongue-tie is a common anomaly, which has the potential to impact infant feeding. Development of a psychometrically sound assessment of tongue-tie is needed. IMPACT: The overall prevalence of tongue-tie in infants aged <1 year is 8%. Available diagnostic tools for tongue-tie do not have adequate psychometric testing. Prevalence data can assist health care providers in the recognition of tongue-tie as a potential barrier to infant feeding to promote maternal breastfeeding success.
Authors: E Ferrés-Amat; T Pastor-Vera; P Rodriguez-Alessi; E Ferrés-Amat; J Mareque-Bueno; E Ferrés-Padró Journal: Eur J Paediatr Dent Date: 2017-12 Impact factor: 2.231
Authors: Jennifer A Peregoy; Giovana M Pinheiro; Sheela R Geraghty; Katherine L Dickin; Kathleen M Rasmussen Journal: Matern Child Nutr Date: 2022-06-27 Impact factor: 3.660