PREVALENCE OF ANKYLOGLOSSIA IN NEWBORNS AT A HOSPITAL IN THE COQUIMBO REGION, CHILE

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of ankyloglossia in newborn babies at a hospital in the Coquimbo Region, Chile, during the first four months of 2022. Material and Method: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study based on the analysis of the institution’s databases was conducted. Prior to implementation, the project was approved by the research ethics committee. Results: The sample consisted of 324 newborn babies, 166 of whom were female. The average birth weight was 3.292 kg. The mean gestational age was 38.47 weeks. The median length was 49 cm. The prevalence of ankyloglossia in the sample was 16.7%. The highest proportion was found in male newborns (25.9%) compared to female newborns (7.8%), giving a ratio of 3.3:1. Male newborns were 3.31 times more likely to develop
ankyloglossia than female newborns. Conclusions: The resulting prevalence is similar to that reported internationally. Further research is recommended to generate more evidence in support of the care of newborns and children with ankyloglossia.