Author/Editor     Hočevar-Boltežar, I; Koželj, V
Title     Otorhinolaryngologic problems in children with clefts
Type     članek
Source     In: Giuliani R, Galliani E, editors. 7th European craniofacial congress; 2003 Nov 20-22; Bologna. Bologna: Medimond,
Publication year     2003
Volume     str. 143-9
Language     eng
Abstract     Introduction and purpose. Children with cleft palate (CP) or cleft lip, alveolus and palate (CLP) often have otorhinolaryngological (ORL) problems. The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of ear, nose and throat diseases in the children with CP and unilateral CLP and to compare it between both groups. Methods. On the basis of history ORL examinalion and audiometry, the prevalence of different ORL pathology was assessed in 61 CP and in 40 unilateral CLP chilchren. The children were born in the period from 1988 to 2000. Results. Recurrent otitis media was reported in 15 CP (24.5%) and 12 CLP (30%) children. In 32 CP (52.5%) and 22 CLP (55%) children conductive hearing loss was assessed. Secretorv otitis was found in 29 CP (48%) and in 22 CLP (55%) children. Nasal septum deviation was found in 6 CP (9.8%) and in 37 CLP (92.5%) children (p = 0.000). Nasal breathing was impaired in 12 CP (19.7%) and 19 CLP (47.5%) children (p < 0.01). Incompetent velopharyngeal closure was detected in 6 CP (9.8%) and in 5 CLP (12.5%) children. Functional dysphonia was detected in 7 CP (11.5%) and in 4 CLP (10%) children. Poor motor abilities of articulation organs were noticed in 6 CP (9.8%) and in 5 CLP (12.5%) children. Conclusions. Different ORL diseases appear in more than one half of the children with CP or CLP. In about 15% of children surgical procedure is necessary to normalise their hearing ability. Nasal septum deviation can be the reason for impaired nasal bretthing in the great majority of CLP children. Therefore, otorhinolaryngologist must take an active part early in the treatment of children with clefts. Good cooperation with the maxillofacial surgeon is essential.
Descriptors     CLEFT LIP
CLEFT PALATE
HEARING DISORDERS
OTITIS MEDIA
VELOPHARYNGEAL INSUFFICIENCY
CHILD
AUDIOMETRY
LARYNGOSCOPY
VOICE DISORDERS
LARYNGITIS
RHINITIS
RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES