Cleft Lip And Palate Patients Research Articles

Effects of rapid maxillary expansion on hearing loss and otitis media in cleft palate children.

Otitis media with effusion (OME), recurrent acute otitis media and conductive hearing loss (CHL) are significantly prevalent in children with cleft palate (CP) and cleft lip and palate (CLP). Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) appears to have a positive effect also on middle ear disorders in these patients. The study aims to offer a prospective evaluation of RME effects in a group of patients with CP/CLP in terms of OME, CHL. A prospective observational study was conducted. Thirty-four CP, CLP and submucosa cleft patients who received orthodontic indication to RME treatment for OME or conductive hearing loss in a tertiary institutional Care Unit of San Paolo Hospital, Milan (IT), were included. Twenty-two patients matched for age and with analogous inclusion criteria except for indication to RME treatment were enrolled in the control group. Clinical otolaryngological evaluation, pure tone audiometry and tympanogram were performed at the beginning of treatment (T0), at the end of the expansion (T1) and at 6-month follow-up (T2). Air-bone gaps and tympanogram results at each time interval. In the main group, RME allowed a statistically significant improvement of air-bone gaps (according to frequency, p < 0.001-0.089 T0 vs. T1 and < 0.001-0.044 T0 vs. T2, Friedman's test) and tympanometry results (p = 0.002 T0 vs. T1 and p < 0.001 T0 vs. T2, Friedman's test). Improvements were stable during follow-up and were significantly better in the main group than in the control group. CHL and middle ear effusion improved significantly overtime during RME and after 6months of follow-up.

Candida species biotypes and polyclonality of potentially virulent Candida albicans isolated from oral cavity of patients with orofacial clefts.

This study evaluated the incidence of Candida species, and the genetic diversity and virulence of C. albicans of the oral cavity from patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). Oral samples were investigated by microbiological and species-specific PCR methods. The genetic diversity of C. albicans was established using isoenzyme markers, Nei's statistics, and clustering analysis. Hydrolytic enzymes (SAPs and PLs) were analyzed in vitro. Oral colonization by Candida species was observed in 29 patients with CLP (65.9%), and C. albicans was highly prevalent. SAP and PL activities were observed in 100% and 51.9% of isolates, respectively. High genetic diversity and patterns of monoclonal and polyclonal oral colonization by C. albicans were observed among patients with CLP. Two major polymorphic taxa (A and B) and other minor polymorphic taxa (C to J) were identified. Only one of the 16 clusters (taxon A) harbored strains from patients with and without CLP, whereas other clusters harbored strains exclusively from CLP patients. The anatomical conditions of the oral cavity of patients with CLP contribute to the high incidence of Candida species (C. albicans, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, and/or Candida spp.). Data suggest high genetic diversity of potentially virulent C. albicans strains in the oral cavity of CLP patients. Microbiological niches in orofacial clefts can contribute to the emergence of a relative clinical genotypic identity of C. albicans. However, orofacial rehabilitation centers can contribute to the direct and indirect sources of transmission and propagation of Candida species.

Three-dimensional assessment of airway volumes in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate

BackgroundConsidering the adverse consequences of respiratory insufficiency in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients, this study aimed to assess the pharyngeal airway dimensions in 9–12-year-old patients with unilateral CLP. This historical cohort evaluated the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 30 patients with non-syndromic unilateral CLP between 9 and 12 years and 30 age- and sex-matched non-cleft controls. Three-dimensional (3D) images were reconstructed by the Mimics software, and the nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and total airway volumes, as well as the minimal cross-sectional area of the airway (minAx), and posterior airway length (PAL) were all measured in the sagittal plane. Data were analyzed by the Student’s t test.ResultsThe oropharyngeal and the total airway volumes, as well as the minAx and PAL in CLP patients, were significantly smaller than the corresponding values in the control group (P < 0.05). Despite smaller nasopharyngeal airway volume in CLP patients than controls, this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionsNine- to twelve-year-old non-syndromic unilateral CLP patients have smaller pharyngeal airway dimensions than non-cleft controls, and are therefore at higher risk of respiratory insufficiency.

Compare molar’s alveolar bone width and angulation changes between cleft lip and palate and non-cleft patients following transverse correction of maxillary hypoplasia

Purpose: This study aimed to compare maxillary alveolar bone width in 1st molar region and molar angulation between growing individuals with Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP) and Non-Cleft Class III instances that received Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) as a treatment of maxillary hypoplasia. Subjects and Methods: This retrospective study included two groups, Cleft Group; 8 CLP patients and Non-Cleft Group; 12 Non-Cleft cases with maxillary hypoplasia. The children's ages spanned from 8 to 12 years old. The two groups received treatment consisting of maxillary expansion utilizing with RME protocol followed by 6 months of consolidation. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was taken prior therapy (T1) and following six months of expansion (T2). Results: In Cleft and Non-Cleft groups, the buccal alveolar bone width displayed statistically significant decline, however the palatal alveolar bone width displayed statistically significant increase. The molar angulation was increased significantly in the two groups. There were statistically non-significant variations in alveolar bone width and 1st molar angulation changes among Cleft and Non-Cleft groups. Conclusion: Patients with CLP have the same maxillary first molar angulation changes as well buccal and palatal alveolar bone width at molar area as non-cleft patients those have Class III malocclusion.

Intraoral scanning of neonates and infants with craniofacial disorders: feasibility, scanning duration, and clinical experience.

The aim of this study was to evaluate intraoral scanning (IOS) in infants, neonates, and small children with craniofacial anomalies for its feasibility, scanning duration, and success rate. Impression taking in vulnerable patients can be potentially life-threatening, with the risk of airway obstruction and aspiration of impression material. The advantage of increasingly digitalized dentistry is demonstrated. IOS was captured with the Trios 3® (3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark) intraoral scanner. The underlying disorders were divided into cleft lip and palate (CLP), Trisomy 21 (T21), Robin Sequence (RS), Treacher Collins syndrome (TC), and isolated mandibular retrognathia (MR). Scan data were analysed by scanning duration, number of images, possible correlations of these factors with the different craniofacial disorders, patient age, and relationship between first and subsequent scans. Clinical experiences with the repeated digital impressions are described. Patient data of 141 scans in 83 patients were analysed within an 11-month period. Patients had a median age of 137 days. Median scanning duration was 138 seconds, resulting in a median of 352 images. There was a statistically significant difference in scanning duration (P = 0.001) between infants and neonates. IOS took longest in patients with CLP (537 seconds) and shortest in T21 patients (21 seconds), although there was no statistically significant difference between aetiologies. There was no statistically significant difference between first and subsequent scans in scanning duration. In four cases the IOS had to be repeated, and one patient ultimately required conventional impression taking (all CLP patients; success rate 94%). No severe adverse events occurred. IOS is a fast, safe, and feasible procedure for neonates, small children, and infants with craniofacial malformations. One special challenge for both technician and user was identified in patients with CLP, though implementing this new approach of digital impression taking was otherwise found to be highly successful in everyday clinical routine.

Early Postoperative Complications in Primary Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: A Retrospective Analysis of 328 Cases

Aim&#x0D; Primary cleft lip and palate (CLP) repair is the most critical stage throughout lifetime. CLP surgery involves risks of surgery and anaesthesia related complications. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate complications occurred in early period after primary CLP surgery and to determine early factors that trigger these conditions.&#x0D; Materials and Methods&#x0D; In this study 328 surgeries of 271 CLP patients were included. Complications were classified as minor complications such as fever occurring within first 3 days. Complications that cannot be treated with palliative care or required transfer to intensive care were considered as major complications. Epidemiology and causal link of early complications were statistically evaluated.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; Early complications were seen in 19% (n: 63) of all cases that operated for cleft lip and palate. Among them rate of minor complications were 9% (n: 25). It was determined that prolongation of anaesthesia lead to rising of minor complications such as deficiency in oral feeding. Major complications were observed in 11% (n: 38). These major complications were more common in bilateral cleft lip, syndromic, palate and male patients. Mean hospitalisation of complicated cases were 3.35 days. When compairing to noncomplicated cases there was increasing in hospitalisation time (p

Mobile Surgical Scouts Increase Surgical Access for Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate in Nepal.

Background: In Nepal's remote regions, challenging topography prevents patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) from seeking care. Objective: To measure the effect of a mobile surgical scout program on CLP surgical care in remote regions of Nepal. Methods: Forty-four lay people were trained as mobile surgical scouts and over 5 months traversed remote districts of Nepal on foot to detect and refer CLP patients for surgical care. Surgical patients from remote districts were compared with matched time periods in the year before intervention. Diagnostic accuracy of the surgical scouts was assessed. Findings: Mobile surgical scouts accurately diagnosed (90%) and referred (82%) patients for cleft surgery. Before the intervention, CLP surgeries from remote districts represented 3.5% of cleft surgeries performed. With mobile surgical scouting, patients from remote districts comprised 8.2% of all cleft surgeries (p = 0.007). When transportation and accompaniment was provided in addition to mobile surgical scouts, patients from remote districts represented 13.5% (p ≤ 0.001) of all cleft surgeries. Conclusion: Task-shifting the surgical screening process to trained scouts resulted in accurate diagnoses, referrals, and increased access to cleft surgery in remote districts of Nepal.

Three-Dimensional Outcome Assessments of Surgical Correction in Cleft and Noncleft Patients with Class III Skeletal Relation: A Case-Control Study.

Background The orthognathic strategies to treat patients with a concave profile but different tissue conditions remain controversial. The aim of this case-control study was to investigate the outcome predictability of orthognathic surgery in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients and matched controls. Methods Fifty consecutive CLP and 45 matched non-CLP patients who received whole-piece Le Fort I and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy to correct class III skeletal relations were enrolled. The outcome discrepancies (ODs) from simulations among all groups were evaluated with consideration of the possible influences from planned surgical movements (PSM). Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine threshold values of PSMs that yielded clinically relevant OD. Results Unilateral CLP (UCLP) patients had comparable postsurgical OD to non-CLP patients in both jaws, whereas bilateral CLP (BCLP) patients had greater deviations from predicted results. Vertical movement of the A − point > 1.33 mm and yaw correction > 1.65° in the BCLP patients was associated with clinically relevant maxillary OD. Conclusions The OGS outcomes of BCLP patients were less predictable than those of the UCLP and noncleft patients. Vertical movements of the A − point > 1.33 mm and yaw correction > 1.65° in BCLP patients increased OD to a clinically relevant extent.

A Challenging Period After Repair: Etiology and Follow-Up Rates of the Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate in Intensive Care Unit.

The perioperative period is quite challenging because of the featured anatomical and clinical properties of the babies with cleft lip and palate (CLP). Therefore follow-up in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a crucial parameter for managing these patients. Although various studies in cleft literature, limited studies have analyzed the ICU admission rate and its etiology in the cleft population. At this point, the present study aims to reveal the etiology and rate of ICU admission of babies with an orofacial cleft to contribute to taking preventive precautions.The rate of primary CLP patients was 69.5% (937 of 1348 patients). Intensive care unit admission rate of primary CLP patients was 6.2% (n = 58). The expected and unexpected ICU admission rate was 4.8% and 1.4%, respectively. Of the patients admitted to the ICU, 53.4% (n = 31) were boys and 46.6% (n = 27) were girls. There was no statistically significant association between gender and ICU admission (P = 0.896). However, the association between cleft type and ICU follow-up was statistically significant (P < 0.001).The findings of the present study reveal the high ICU admission rate of cleft patients within all patients admitted to ICU. Due to many unique statuses of cleft babies, attentive assessment in the preoperative period and determining the postoperative need for ICU follow-up would contribute to preventing postoperative complications.

Pharyngeal airway space changes and stability following an extended LeFort-I osteotomy advancement in cleft lip and palate and non-cleft lip and palate patients: A long term comparison study

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate effects of extended maxillary advancement osteotomy on pharyngeal airway space (PAS) in mid-facial deficient cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients and mid-facial deficient non-CLP patients. MethodsPharyngeal airway space (PAS) of 10 CLP and 10 non-CLP patients with the mean age of 19 years 10 months was measured on digitized lateral cephalograms taken shortly before maxillary advancement operation with Quadrangular Le Fort I osteotomy (QLF-I) (T0), early post-operative, (T1) and long term post-operative (T2). Two way repeated analysis of variance, independent samples t-test and correlations tests were used for statistical analysis of airway and skeletal changes. ResultsTotal PAS depth and area was significantly increased after the advancement and was stable in long term post-operative period for CLP and non-CLP patients. Nasopharyngeal and velopharyngeal airway space depth and area was statistically increased at T1 and T2 for both groups. Oropharyngeal airway depth and area showed no significant statistical difference at any of the time points. The effect of QLF-I osteotomy on (PAS) was similar in both CLP and non-CLP patients. ConclusionsNasopharyngeal, velopharyngeal, and total pharyngeal airway space depth and area increased after maxillary advancement with the QLF-I osteotomy; this increase was stable in long term follow up. Maxillary advancement with the QLF-I technique had no significant effect on oropharyngeal airway space depth and area in both CLP and non-cleft patients.

Self-Esteem and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life within a Cleft Lip and/or Palate Population: A Prospective Cohort Study.

(1) Objective: To investigate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and self-esteem (SE) of a population with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) and to compare it with a non-affected control cohort. (2) Materials and methods: This study comprised 91 CLP patients and a control group of 790 individuals, seeking orthodontic treatment. OHRQoL and SE were assessed by the Child’s Perception Questionnaire (CPQ) and the Dutch adaptation of the Harter’s Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents. Treatment need and self-perception of oral aesthetic were assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and the Oral Aesthetic Subjective Impact Scale (OASIS). Patients’ expectations and motivation for treatment were also scored. Linear models were used for statistical comparisons between groups. (3) Results: The cleft group scored higher in all domains of the CPQ, OASIS, IOTN and regarding SE for the domains of scholastic competence, athletic competence, physical appearance and behavioral conduct. The cleft group was not only more motivated and expected less discomfort during treatment but also had higher expectations for the treatment outcome. (4) Conclusions: The OHRQoL of CLP patients is strongly correlated with the presence of an oral cleft, while SE remains a personal resource not influenced by the malocclusion or medical condition.

RECONSTRUCTION OF CLEFT LIP AND PALATE AND STANDARDIZATION OF THEIR CLINICAL RECORD FROM INFANCY THROUGH ADOLESCENCE

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics play an important role in reconstruction of child with cleft lip and palate (CLP). In layman term, cleft palate can be dened breach in continuity of the palate. DISCUSSION: Generally, midfacial irregularity and maxillary retrusion are the commonly seen problem after the surgical correction of CLP patients, which occurs mainly because of intrinsic factors, functional or adaptive factors inuencing the position and growth of normal and abnormal part and iatrogenic factors due to effect of treatment procedures. The principle of NAM is “negative sculpturing” and “passive molding” of the alveolus and the soft tissues. Orthodontic techniques are used to mold the maxillary, alveolar, and nasal tissues of an infant with CLP. Despite all the hard work that goes into every case, one aspect seems to be missing among many dentists across the globe is proper documentation of their cases. A proper documentation has many advantages. From start of the treatment planning in diagnosis to follow-up and for patient satisfaction point of view, standardization of clinical record play vital role in management of cleft lip and palate patents. CONCLUSION: The orthodontist play an important role in reconstruction of cleft lip and palate patient from birth to adulthood and provides both esthetic and functional treatment. knowing proper documentation not only improves diagnosis and treatment planning for orthodontist but also improve their future clinical practice

Salivary counts of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in patients with and without cleft lip and/or palate undergoing orthodontic treatment: A meta-analysis.

To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to assess if cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients undergoing orthodontic treatment have a higher colonization of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus than patients without this condition. Five electronic databases were searched systematically. The inclusion criteria were as follows: randomized clinical trials, non-randomized, or quasi-randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective studies published until March, 2021; articles that evaluated S.mutans and Lactobacillus profile in patients with and without cleft lip and palate undergoing orthodontic treatment. The random-effect model was used to perform the analysis of all the data collected. Statistic heterogeneity was evaluated with I2 test. In this systematic review, 2 cohort studies were included. The data analysis from 160 patients revealed that patients without cleft lip and palate had 4.5 times more predisposition to oral colonization with S.mutans than CLP patients. No statistical significant difference was found between these patients for colonization with Lactobacillus. Despite the limitations in the included studies, this systematic review suggested that CLP patients have a lower predisposition to oral colonization with S.mutans when compared to healthy patients.

Maxillary Development in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Compared with Individuals Having Skeletal Class I and Class III Malocclusion.

To compare maxillary development of individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) to individuals with skeletal Class I and Class III malocclusions. Cephalometric X-ray films from 90 patients (mean age: 13 ± 2.3 years) were used. The number of samples was determined by Power analysis and three groups consisting of 30 patients (Group 1: Skeletal Class I, Group 2: Skeletal Class III, Group 3: CLP) were formed. A total of 13 cephalometric measurements were performed using Dolphin imaging software 11.7. The Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA tests were used to calculate the differences. The Dunn test and Bonferroni correction were used in paired group comparisons. SNA, Co-A, A-PTV Horizontal, Na-APog, A-Na-Pog, FH-NA, Sn'-Mx1, MxOP-TVL (p<0.001***), U6-PTV Vertical (p<0.01**), and NaBa PTV-Gn (p<0.05*) values were significantly different between the three groups. There was no significant difference in Na-ANS, FH-NPog, or Mx1 labial-ULA. SNA, Co-A, A-PTV Horizontal, Na-APog, and A-Na-Pog values between the 1st and 2nd groups and between the 1st and 3rd groups (p<0.001***) were significantly different. FH-Na-A, Sn'-Mx1, MxOP-TVL (p<0.001***), and U6-PTV vertical were different between groups 1 and 3 (p<0.01**), while FH-Na-A (p<0.001***), Sn'-Mx1, MxOP-TVL (p<0.01**), A-PTV Horizontal, and A-Na-Pog (p<0.05*) were significantly different between groups 2 and 3. Maxillary development in CLP differs from skeletal Class I but is similar to skeletal Class III. Considering the delay in maxillary development in the CLP patient, maxillary protraction and maxillary expansion are important treatment protocols in the early period.

Pre-operative and post-operative audiological assessment in cleft lip and palate patients-a prospective study

PurposeTo assess association of audiological defects in cleft lip and palate (CLP) following two stage cheiloplasty and palatoplasty using clinical evaluation and otoscopy and effect of the surgical repair at an interval of one year. Materials and methodsA pilot research study was performed on sixty CLP patients of 1–6 years of age reporting at Craniofacial & Research Centre, Dharwad, India between October 2016 to October 2018.Subjects were assessed based on history, clinical examination and otoscopy for audiometric defects including Serous otitis media (SOM), retraction pockets, impacted wax pre-palatoplasty and findings were compared with control group. Study group were followed up postoperatively at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and statistical analysis was carried. ResultsHigher incidence of conductive audiological defects were noted in study group (96.6%) to control group (8.33%). Of the sixty cleft patients subjected to screening otoscopy, 58 subjects had significant findings like serous otitis media(12.07%), retraction pockets(23.14%), impacted wax(62.04%), bulging of tympanic membrane(3.45%) which were clinically unnoticed. Post palatoplasty no changes were noted at 1 and 3 months, however at 6- and 12months significant improvement was noted (55.17%), with three subjects lost to follow up (6.90%) and none presenting with permanent deafness.results. ConclusionCleft anomalies occur in different degrees of severity and configuration with greater incidence of conductive hearing defects of 97%. Positive correlation was noted in cleft palate cases with significant improvement after palatoplasty at an earlier age. However, future long term studies are warranted for long term assessment of Eustachian tube function.conclusion.

NAM\u2014help or burden? Intercultural evaluation of parental stress caused by nasoalveolar molding: a retrospective multi-center study

ObjectivesNasoalveolar molding (NAM) was developed to facilitate easier treatment and better outcomes for cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the parental burden and possible intercultural differences of this treatment modality, which is often argued to burden parents to an extraordinary amount.Materials and methodsStandardized questionnaires (available in English, Mandarin, and German) with 15 non-specific and 14 NAM-specific items to be retrospectively answered by Likert scales by parents of unilateral CLP patients with completed NAM treatment.ResultsThe parents of 117 patients from two treatment centers in Taiwan and Germany were included. A very high level of overall satisfaction was found in both countries with significant intercultural differences in prenatal parent information, feeding problems, dealing with 3rd party’s perception, and experienced personal effort.ConclusionNAM is an effective treatment tool for children’s CLP deformities and their caregivers in overcoming the feeling of helplessness. Intercultural differences may be due to infrastructural reasons, cultural attitudes and habits, or different public medical education.Clinical relevanceIn addition to facilitating easier surgical treatment, NAM can be seen as a powerful coping strategy for parents dealing with a CLP deformity of their child and does not seem to burden them extraordinarily.

Secondary Care of Cleft Lip and Palate: Analysis of Dentofacial Orthopedic and Orthognathic Treatments.

Orthodontic and orthognathic management of cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is a highly controversial subject. We present herein a retrospective study of 214 secondary cases followed over 22 years in order to assess the factors of successful management. The study focuses on the results of gingivoperiosteoplasty, and occlusal stability. Nine subgroups were identified, taking into account the age of the patients, the history of surgery on the alveolar region, and the presence or absence of skeletal discrepancy. Results clearly demonstrate a higher rate of poor outcomes and failures in the multioperated population. The success rate of the graft is 80.82% in the multioperated population versus 100% non-multioperated population. Periodontitis problem or orthodontic difficulties affect 19.17% of the patient in the multioperated groups versus 12% in the other groups. Relapse, particularly the transversal dimension, is also found mostly in the multi-operated population: 17.8% versus 6% in the non-multioperated population. Several factors are involved in the success of orthodontics, dentofacial orthopedics, and orthognathic surgery of CLP patients. Our study shows that previous surgeries, especially when they are multiple with repeated failures, jeopardize the chances of success of secondary treatments. This is explained by the secondary fibrosis of the tissues around the cleft. Finally, major palatal surgeries performed early, have adverse effects on maxillary growth. Many other factors play an important role in the stability of the success that are linked with orofacial functions. These data must be taken into account in the treatment of CLP patients.

Accuracy of Virtually Planned Maxillary Distraction in Cleft Patients - An Evaluative Study.

Introduction:Maxillary distraction may be used to treat severe maxillary hypoplasia in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients. Three-dimensional (3D) planning has been shown to increase the accuracy of distraction and reduce operative time and complications. The aim of the study was to measure the accuracy of internal maxillary distraction after 3D planning in CLP patients, to add evidence to validate the virtual osteotomy and distraction procedure.Materials and Methods:Eleven CLP patients with severe maxillary hypoplasia underwent maxillary distraction using internal distractors. Virtual planning was used to design the osteotomies, the distractor position, and the distraction vector. Cutting and positioning guides transferred this information to the surgical procedure. Four to six month postoperative computed tomography-scan was done before distractor removal; anatomical reference points were compared to the virtual planning to determine accuracy.Results:A high accuracy (point dislocation <1.5 mm) was found in 90% of the points of the surface of the maxilla; the majority of the zygomatic screws were placed within a distance of 0.8–1 mm from their planned position.Discussion:The high accuracy achieved through virtual planning promotes optimal distractor placement; a customized distraction vector has a direct effect on the final position of the maxilla.

Maxillary Sinus Volume in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients with and without an Oronasal Fistula using CBCT

Introduction Formation of oronasal fistula is a common complication after surgical closure of cleft lip and palate (CLP). This study aimed to compare the maxillary sinus volume in 9-12-year-old CLP patients with and without an oronasal fistula who had undergone surgical closure of the cleft at 1 year of age, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methodology This descriptive, cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted on CBCT scans of 50 patients with unilateral CLP who were between 9-12 years and had undergone surgical closure of the cleft at 1 year of age in two groups with and without an oronasal fistula (n=50). The patients were selected among those presenting to a private orthodontic office between 2001-2009 and already had CBCT scans taken for orthodontic treatment. The 3D CBCT scans were reconstructed with Mimics software, and the volume of the maxillary sinuses was measured on the images. Data were compared using t-test. Results The maxillary sinus volume was significantly smaller in patients with oronasal fistula compared with those without it (9510.7±492 mm3 vs. 10278.2±512 mm3, P&lt;0.000). The maxillary sinus of the affected side was smaller than that of the unaffected side in both groups of patients with and without an oronasal fistula (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion IImmature patients with unilateral CLP and oronasal fistula have a smaller maxillary sinus than unilateral CLP patients without an oronasal fistula, and may be at higher risk of respiratory infections.

Comparative clinical evaluation of modified and conventional Grayson's presurgical nasoalveolar molding technique in infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate

Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) was introduced by Grayson et al., in 1993 to presurgically mold the alveolus, lip, and nose in infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP). The aim of this comparative clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of Modified and Conventional Grayson's PNAM in patients concerning morphological and anatomical changes in maxillary alveolus, nasal symmetry, number of visits, and duration of treatment. In this comparative clinical trial study, 16 infants with unilateral complete CLP were equally divided into two groups: Group I (modified PNAM technique using titanium molybdenum alloy [TMA] wire nasal stent) and Group II (conventional PNAM technique using stainless steel wire nasal stent). Patient photographic evaluation of nasal symmetry and maxillary study model CAD-CAM analysis, pre- and post-operatively in both groups, were compared using a paired t-test between the groups using the Chi-square test with P < 0.05 as statistically significant. In both groups, on evaluating nasal measurements, statistically significant (P < 0.05) decrease in nasal width and increase in columella deviation angle, a decrease of nostril length, and an increase of columella length in Group I were observed. On maxillary study model evaluation, a statistically significant (P < 0.05) decrease in width of the alveolar cleft was noticed in both groups and lateral deviation of the incisal point in Group I and width of the palatal cleft in Group II was noticed. This study showed a morphological improvement in nasal symmetry and maxillary alveolar morphology in complete unilateral CLP patients, treated with both Modified and Conventional PNAM techniques, with the Modified PNAM technique being more efficient for treatment duration and the number of adjustments as there are less number of visits.