OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of neonatal asymmetric crying facies (ACF), in order to improve recognition of the disease.

METHODSThe clinical data of 11 infants with ACF between January 2010 and February 2012 were retrospectively studied. Physical and neurological development were followed up at correct gestational age 44 weeks and 3 months.

RESULTSOf the 11 infants with ACF, 4 had ipsilateral ear malformation, 2 had congenital heart disease and 1 had syndactyly and polydactyly. Of the 11 infants, 8 were male and 3 were female. Eight infants presented with lesions on the left side and 3 presented with lesions on the right. The fathers were aged over 35 in 8 cases and the mothers were over 30 in 7 cases. Eight mothers had a history of at least 3 pregnancies and 2 infants were born to mothers with diabetes mellitus. Physical index was below P10 in 1 case and 2 cases showed a low NBNA score and mild abnormal GMs (poor repertoire PR) during the writhing period at correct gestational age 44 weeks. Physical index was between P10-P90 and GM assessment during the fidgety period showed normal movements in all infants at correct gestational age 3 months, but they still had ACF.

CONCLUSIONSACF is associated with a high rate of other congenital malformations. The short-term outcomes of ACF infants are satisfactory, but long-term follow-up and interdisciplinary cooperation are necessary to improve prognosis.