A Longitudinal Study of Hearing and Middle Ear Status in Individuals With UCLP

The Development of a European Multidisciplinary Cleft Lip and Palate Registry by the European Reference Network CRANIO: Experiences, Barriers, And Facilitators

The European Reference Network for Rare Craniofacial Aanomalies and Ear-Nose-Throat disorders aims to improve care for patients with such afflictions, including cleft lip and palate (CL/P) across Europe. Cleft treatment remains varied throughout European centers, inhibiting meaningful comparison of treatment outcomes. To overcome these issues, a European-wide common CL/P dataset and registry was developed, facilitating standardized treatment endpoints and outcome measures for international comparison and benchmarking of CL/P centers. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to determine the set-up of the registry. Previous CL/P initiatives were analyzed to create an initial dataset, refined through consensus meetings. In total, 87 cleft specialists working in specialized CL/P centers from 16 European nations participated. Consensus on a common dataset was reached. A "Level 1" dataset, with mandatory clinical and patient-reported outcome measures, and "Level 2" dataset with additional outcome measures. Finally, 2 dashboards were developed for data dissemination. The development of the European CL/P common dataset and registry tackled challenges with resource disparities, variations in specialists within CL/P teams, regulatory differences in patient data usage, patient-reported outcome measures availability in European languages, and use of assessment tools. This study described the successful development of the European Reference Network for Rare Craniofacial Aanomalies and Ear-Nose-Throat disorders CL/P common dataset and registry. This achievement will help improve patient care and outcomes for patients with CL/P in Europe. Furthermore, this study provides useful information for initiatives with similar aims.

The impact of hearing loss on speech outcomes in 5-year-old children with cleft palate ± lip: A longitudinal cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the impact of hearing loss (using longitudinal measurements of hearing) on speech outcomes at age 5 (5 years 0 months-5 years 11 months) in children born with cleft palate ± lip. Other variables which may impact upon the speech outcomes at age 5 in this population were also investigated.

METHODS

A retrospective longitudinal cohort study of children, without a named syndrome, born with cleft palate ± lip, and treated at a Cleft Centre in the United Kingdom. Data collected from infancy to 5 years 11 months, included hearing test results from three specific time points (7 months-1 year 2 months [age A]; 2 years 0 months-2 years 11 months [age B]; 5 years 0 months-5 years 11 months [age C]) and speech outcome data at age 5 years (5 years 0 months-5 years 11 months). Hearing test results at each age were compared to identify how hearing changes with age. Correlations between hearing test results and speech outcomes at age 5 were analysed.

RESULTS

Hearing loss was frequent but predominantly mild. There were no significant correlations between speech outcomes and hearing results at any age. Mild hearing loss remained prevalent at age 5, although a significant age-related hearing improvement was found. A significant relationship between cleft type and cleft speech characteristics was found (P < .001); children with Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate achieved the poorest articulation outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Although mild hearing loss was common in the cohort, there was no association between hearing loss and the speech outcomes investigated. In contrast, the type of cleft was significantly associated with the presence of cleft speech characteristics. Further longitudinal measurement of hearing is required to substantiate the findings of this study.

Speech Outcome and Self-Reported Communicative Ability in Young Adults Born With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Comparing Long-Term Results After 2 Different Surgical Methods for Palatal Repair

OBJECTIVE

To compare speech outcome and self-reported speech and communicative ability (SOK) in young adults treated with one-stage (OS) or two-stage (TS) palatal repair. Furthermore, to compare with normative data on individuals without cleft lip and palate and to study the relationship between patients' and experts' judgments.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional group comparison study with long-term follow-up. Participants: Patients born with unilateral cleft lip and palate treated at 2 cleft centers; 17 with OS at 14 months and 25 with TS, soft palate repair at 7 months and hard palate repair at 6.2 years. Pharyngeal flap surgery was performed in 53% (OS) and 24% (TS) of patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Speech characteristics were blindly assessed by speech and language pathologist from audio recordings, SOK at 19 years of age.

RESULTS

No group differences were found. Although the occurrence of nasality symptoms was low in both groups, only 60% (OS)/65% (TS) were assessed with competent velopharyngeal function (VPC). Articulation proficiency (percentage of consonants correct [PCC]) was 91%/97%, the /s/-sound specifically 87%/91%. Good intelligibility was found in 91%/87%. Patient opinion was in agreement with norms and significantly associated with intelligibility (rs = 0.436, P < .01), PCC (rs = -0.534, P < .01), and correct /s/ (rs = -0.354, P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

No differences in speech outcome were related to operation method. The low prevalence of VPC was not clearly reflected in nasality symptoms. Patient opinion was related to articulation and intelligibility. A higher burden of care in terms of pharyngeal flap surgery was seen after the OS technique.

Prevalence of Reading Difficulties in 9- to 10-Year Old Children in Sweden Born With Cleft Palate

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of reading difficulties in children born with cleft palate at ages 9 and 10 in Sweden.

DESIGN

Using a cross-sectional design, a parental questionnaire assessing dyslexia-like reading difficulties (Short Dyslexia Scale, SDS) was administered together with separate questions regarding background data.

PARTICIPANTS

Families with a child born with overt cleft palate with or without cleft lip in 4 regions of Sweden. A total of 245 families were approached of which 138 families responded. Data from 136 (56%) were complete with information on cleft type and could be analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-two percent (95% CI, 15-30) of the whole study group displayed risk for dyslexic reading difficulties on the SDS corresponding to the 7th to 10th percentiles in the population. Children with cleft palate only had a significantly higher prevalence of reading difficulties (37%) compared to children with unilateral cleft palate (19%) and bilateral cleft palate (10%). The frequency of reading difficulties in participants with comorbidity was 32%. Among a subgroup with reported comorbidity in areas of attention, language, and learning problems, there was a 2.5 times higher risk of reading disability compared to participants without this reported comorbidity.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of reading difficulties in the cleft palate population was higher than in the general population. Results showed that co-occurring difficulties were common in the cleft group and that reading difficulties often appear together with other, co-occurring neurodevelopmental difficulties.

Natural History of Tympanic Membrane Retraction in Children with Cleft Palate

OBJECTIVES

The natural history of tympanic membrane retraction is unpredictable. To obtain prognostic information for guiding surveillance and treatment, a cohort of children with retraction from cleft palate were prospectively followed for over 5 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective observational study at a tertiary academic institution. Children with pars tensa retraction were selected from a cohort of 143 children with cleft palate. Thirty-seven ears were assessed with otoendoscopic image capture and audiometry at a median age of 9 years and reassessed at a median follow-up interval of 6.4 years. The severity of tympanic membrane retraction in the serial images of each ear was compared by four pediatric otolaryngologists blinded to the dates of the images.

RESULTS

Initially, 19/37 retractions (51%) demonstrated contact with the incus and/or promontory. Follow-up images were rated as stable (n=16) or better (n=12) for 28/37 retractions (76%). Of the nine retractions that became more extensive, two developed cholesteatoma (5% of the total). No ossicular erosion developed in ears without cholesteatoma. Conductive hearing loss (4-tone average air-bone gap >25 decibels hearing level) was initially present in five ears, worsened in one, and normalized without intervention in others. No ears with initial normal hearing developed hearing loss.

CONCLUSION

Most tympanic membrane retractions remained stable or improved over time in this cohort of children who were at a risk of persistent eustachian tube dysfunction. Clinically significant progression occurred infrequently, justifying the conservative approach taken to manage these retractions. Such data are necessary to weigh the potential benefit of preventive intervention over observation.

Cleft lip and palate associated hearing loss in Brazilian children

INTRODUCTION

Cleft lip and palate children have chronic otitis media related to Eustachian Tube dysfunction and associated conductive hearing loss. In this group of children, communicative skill development limitations, in association with orofacial aesthetics and functional disorders, can lead to behavioral, educational and social problems.

METHODS

We evaluated the minimum hearing threshold and the air-bone gap (ABG) in a range from 500 to 4000 Hz for 4-14 years old cleft lip and palate children (CLPC). This cross-sectional study took place in a multiprofessional tertiary care center and involved 89 CLPC with bilateral or unilateral postforamen or transforamen malformation, divided into two groups: those aged 4-7 and 8-14 years. The hearing tests of 89 children were evaluated: 53 (group I) aged from 4 to 7 years (67.9% male) and 36 (group II) aged from 8 to 14 years (55.6% female).

RESULTS

The minimum hearing threshold 500-4 KHz mean (MHT 500-4 KHz) was 19.4 dB for all children. MHT 500-4 KHz was 21.2 dB and 17.5 dB respectively for the group I and group II. Both groups demonstrated a minimum hearing threshold of up to 70 dB at certain frequencies. The global ABG 500-4 KHz average was 16.6 dB (SD 12.5): 19.7 dB (SD 12.9) in group I and 13.2 dB (SD 11.1) in group II.

CONCLUSION

The worst hearing thresholds were found in children of 4-7 years old: 21.2 dB MHT 500-4 KHz and 19.7 ABG 500-4 KHz, what is a disadvantage for them, as the normal hearing thresholds are up to 15 dB. The children of 8-14 years old had MHT 500-4 KHz of 17.5 dB, and ABG 500-4KHZ OF 13.2 with up to 70 dB of hearing loss.

A comparison of orofacial profiles in 5- and 10-year-old Swedish children with and without cleft lip and/or palate

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to assess orofacial profiles in 5- and 10-year-old children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) compared to controls and to estimate a possible association between orofacial dysfunction and caries frequency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 133 children with CL/P (77 5-year-olds and 56 10-year-olds) and 308 controls (142 5-year-olds and 166 10-year-olds) were included in the study. Orofacial function was evaluated with Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S), and caries were scored according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS).

RESULTS

The total NOT-S score was higher in children with CL/P compared to controls (mean 3.2 vs 0.9, p < 0.001). The domains frequently scored in CL/P children were speech (82%), face at rest (72%), and facial expression (58%). There was a significantly positive correlation between NOT-S scores and caries frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with CL/P have impaired orofacial function compared to controls. There seems to be a correlation between orofacial function and caries.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Impaired orofacial function seen in children with CL/P can be one of many risk factors for caries development, and it is suggested to be a part of caries risk assessment.

Centre-level variation in outcomes and treatment for otitis media with effusion and hearing loss and the association of hearing loss with developmental outcomes at ages 5 and 7 years in children with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate: The Cleft Care UK study. Part 2

OBJECTIVES

To explore centre-level variation in otitis media with effusion (OME), hearing loss and treatments in children in Cleft Care UK (CCUK) and to examine the association between OME, hearing loss and developmental outcomes at 5 and 7 years.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

Two hundred and sixty-eight 5-year-old British children with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) recruited to CCUK.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Children had air and bone conduction audiometry at age 5. Information on grommet and hearing aid treatment was obtained from parental questionnaire and medical notes. Hearing loss at age 5 was defined as >20 dB in the better ear and history of OME and hearing loss was determined from past treatment. Children with sensorineural hearing loss were excluded. Associations were examined with speech, behaviour and self-confidence at age 5 and educational attainment at age 7. Centre variation was examined using hierarchical models and associations between hearing variables and developmental outcomes were examined using logistic regression.

RESULTS

There was centre-level variation in early grommet placement (variance partition coefficient (VPC) 18%, P=.001) and fitting of hearing aids (VPC 8%, P=.03). A history of OME and hearing loss was associated with poor intelligibility of speech (adjusted odds ratio=2.87, 95% CI 1.42-5.77) and aspects of educational attainment.

CONCLUSIONS

Hearing loss is an important determinant of poor speech and treatment variation across centres suggest management of OME and hearing loss could be improved.

The Effects of Age at Cleft Palate Repair on Middle Ear Function and Hearing Level

Objective:

To investigate the age effects of cleft palate repair on middle ear function and hearing level in patients who underwent cleft palate repair at different ages by audiologic examination.

Methods:

Medical histories were gathered in detail, and audiologic tests (ie, tympanometry and pure tone hearing threshold) were conducted in 126 patients after palatoplasty. The patients were divided into the following 4 groups according to their ages when they underwent cleft palate repair: group I (0-3 years, 73 patients), group II (4-7 years, 29 patients), group III (8-11 years, 16 patients), and group IV (12 years and older, 8 patients). The data regarding tympanograms, hearing levels, and the average hearing thresholds of each group were analyzed using chi-square tests.

Results:

The prevalence of middle ear dysfunction and hearing loss in the patients who underwent palatoplasty before 3 years old (27.4% and 2.0% respectively) was significantly lower than that in patients who underwent palatopalsty at 12 years or older (75.0% and 43.7%, respectively). Linear-by-linear association revealed that the prevalences of middle ear dysfunction and hearing loss among the 4 groups were significantly different ( P < .05).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of middle ear dysfunction and hearing loss tended to increase with advancing age at the time of cleft palate repair. From an audiologist’s perspective, palatoplasty at an early age is very beneficial in helping children with cleft palates acquire better middle ear function and hearing level.

Female and Male Differences in Academic Achievement in Individuals With Cleft: A Population-Based Register Study

OBJECTIVE

The focus of this study was to determine if there is any significant difference in academic achievement for girls and boys with a cleft compared to the general population of Swedish students at graduation from compulsory school.

DESIGN

A retrospective population-based study using data obtained from the Swedish Medical Birth Register that was linked to the Swedish School-Grade Register.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred seventy girls and 241 boys with cleft palate (CP), 222 girls and 429 boys with cleft lip (CL), and 299 girls and 531 boys with cleft lip and palate (CLP) were compared with the compulsory school population comprising 609,397 girls and 640,007 boys.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

(1) Odds of receiving the lowest grade and reduced odds in receiving high grades in Mathematics, English, and Swedish. (2) grade point average (GPA).

RESULTS

In all 3 subject grades, for boys with cleft there was no difference when compared to the male population. Girls with cleft were similar to their peers with a few exceptions. Girls with CLP had lower Math grades, and girls with CP had lower Math, English, and Swedish grades. Girls with CP and CLP achieved a significantly lower GPA in comparison to the female population and boys with CP and CL achieved lower GPAs in comparison to the male population.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that educational outcomes for girls with cleft are more negatively affected than for boys with cleft.

Scandcleft randomised trials of primary surgery for unilateral cleft lip and palate: 4. Speech outcomes in 5-year-olds - velopharyngeal competency and hypernasality

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Adequate velopharyngeal function and speech are main goals in the treatment of cleft palate. The objective was to investigate if there were differences in velopharyngeal competency (VPC) and hypernasality at age 5 years in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) operated on with different surgical methods for primary palatal repair. A secondary aim was to estimate burden of care in terms of received additional secondary surgeries and speech therapy.

DESIGN

Three parallel group, randomised clinical trials were undertaken as an international multicentre study by 10 cleft teams in five countries: Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and the UK.

METHODS

Three different surgical protocols for primary palatal repair were tested against a common procedure in the total cohort of 448 children born with a non-syndromic UCLP. Speech audio and video recordings of 391 children (136 girls, 255 boys) were available and perceptually analysed. The main outcome measures were VPC and hypernasality from blinded assessments.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the prevalences in the arms in any of the trials. VPC: Trial 1, A: 58%, B: 61%; Trial 2, A: 57%, C: 54%; Trial 3, A: 35%, D: 51%. No hypernasality: Trial 1, A: 54%, B: 44%; Trial 2, A: 47%, C: 51%; Trial 3, A: 34%, D: 49%.

CONCLUSIONS

No differences were found regarding VPC and hypernasality at age 5 years after different methods for primary palatal repair. The burden of care in terms of secondary pharyngeal surgeries, number of fistulae, and speech therapy visits differed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN29932826.

Hearing thresholds and ventilation tube treatment in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate

OBJECTIVE

Children with cleft lip and palate have a high prevalence of otitis media with effusion (OME) which is often associated with a fluctuating, conductive hearing loss in the low and mid-frequencies and a risk for permanent hearing loss in the higher frequencies. Although common, there is no consensus on the treatment of OME with ventilation tubes. The aim of this study is to document if the risk for permanent hearing loss and acquired cholesteatoma increases due to treatment with ventilation tubes (VT treatments) during childhood in a group of children with cleft lip and palate.

METHODS

A retrospective medical chart review of 33 children (25 boys and 8 girls) born with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) was completed. Audiological data (results of hearing sensitivity tests, the total number of hearing tests, and number of VT treatments) were extracted from medical records from when the children were 4-7 and >7-10 years of age.

RESULTS

The hearing thresholds in the speech frequencies improved with age (p < 0,05) but a minority of the children continued to present with elevated hearing thresholds in the higher frequencies at >7-10 years of age. There were no significant correlations between number of VT treatments and hearing thresholds at >7-10 years. Four of the 33 children presented with complications: two children exhibited perforations of the ear drum (6.1%) and two children developed unilateral cholesteatoma (6.1%).

CONCLUSION

In the current study, the hearing sensitivity of children with cleft lip and palate improved with age. However, this improvement was not seen in the higher frequencies. Twelve percent of the children experienced complications following VT treatments. Due to these complications, it is recommended that all children with cleft palate should have routine follow-ups by an ENT doctor and audiologist. As part of the routine follow-up care, hearing assessments should be performed before and after VT treatments.

Speech, language, and reading skills in 10-year-old children with palatal clefts: The impact of additional conditions

BACKGROUND

This study examined speech (hypernasality and intelligibility), language, and reading skills in children with a cleft palate, specifically investigating additional conditions to the cleft, in order to differentiate challenges related to a cleft only, and challenges associated with an additional condition.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional data collected during routine assessments of speech and language in a centralised treatment setting.

PARTICIPANTS

Children born with cleft with palatal involvement from four birth cohorts (n=184), aged 10.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Speech: SVANTE-N; Language: Language 6-16; Reading: Word Chain Test and Reading Comprehension Test.

RESULTS

Descriptive analyses revealed that 123 of the children had a cleft only (66.8%), while 61 children (33.2%) had a cleft that was associated with an additional condition (syndrome, developmental difficulty, attentional difficulties). Due to close associations with the outcome variables, children with specific language impairments and dyslexia were excluded from the sample (n=14). In the total cleft sample, 33.1% had mild to severe hypernasality, and 27.9% had mild to severe intelligibility deviances. Most children with intelligibility and hypernasality scores within the normal range had a cleft without any other condition. A high number of children with developmental difficulties (63.2%) or AD/HD (45.5%) had problems with intelligibility. Hypernasality scores were also associated with developmental difficulties (58.8%), whereas most children with AD/HD had normal hypernasality scores (83.3%). As could be expected, results demonstrated that children with a cleft and an additional condition had language and reading scores below average. Children with a cleft only had language and reading scores within the normal range. Among the children with scores below average, 33.3-44.7% had no other conditions explaining difficulties with language and reading.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the need for routine assessments of language and reading skills, in addition to assessments of speech, in children with a cleft, in order to identify potential problems as early as possible. Study designs need to take additional difficulties into account, so that potential problems with language and reading are not ascribed the cleft diagnosis, and can be followed by appropriate treatment and interventions.

Phonology in Swedish-speaking 5-year-olds born with unilateral cleft lip and palate and the relationship with consonant production at 3 years of age

PURPOSE

At ∼3 years of age ∼50% of the children born with cleft palate present with phonological/articulatory difficulties. Differences between children with and without cleft palate have been reported to decline with age; however, the phonology in children with cleft palate at pre-school age/early school age has rarely been explored. The purpose of this study was to assess phonology in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) at age 5 and its relationship with performances at 3 years of age.

METHOD

The study included 29 children with UCLP and 20 without UCLP. Percentage correct consonants adjusted for age (PCC-A) and number of consistent phonological simplification processes were assessed from phonetic transcriptions. In addition, a descriptive analysis of phonological/articulatory processes was performed.

RESULT

The children with UCLP displayed significantly lower PCC-A and more phonological processes at age 5 years than peers without UCLP. The correlations between the outcomes at 3 and 5 years of age were significant.

CONCLUSION

Still at 5 years of age many children with cleft palate have phonological problems and it is possible to identify children at risk for impaired phonology at earlier age.

Functional outcomes in the Cleft Care UK study--Part 3: oral health and audiology

OBJECTIVES

To compare oral health and hearing outcomes from the Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG, 1998) and the Cleft Care UK (CCUK, 2013) studies.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

Two UK-based cross-sectional studies of 5-year-olds born with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate undertaken 15 years apart. CSAG children were treated in a dispersed model of care with low-volume operators. CCUK children were treated in a centralized, high volume operator system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Oral health data were collected using a standardized proforma. Hearing was assessed using pure tone audiometry and middle ear status by otoscopy and tympanometry. ENT and hearing history were collected from medical notes and parental report.

RESULTS

Oral health was assessed in 264 of 268 children (98.5%). The mean dmft was 2.3, 48% were caries free, and 44.7% had untreated caries. There was no evidence this had changed since the CSAG survey. Oral hygiene was generally good, 96% were enrolled with a dentist. Audiology was assessed in 227 of 268 children (84.7%). Forty-three per cent of children received at least one set of grommets--a 17.6% reduction compared to CSAG. Abnormal middle ear status was apparent in 50.7% of children. There was no change in hearing levels, but more children with hearing loss were managed with hearing aids.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes for dental caries and hearing were no better in CCUK than in CSAG, although there was reduced use of grommets and increased use of hearing aids. The service specifications and recommendations should be scrutinized and implemented.

The association of cleft severity and cleft palate repair technique on hearing outcomes in children in northern Finland

BACKGROUND

The consequences of cleft lip and palate include scaring, dental malformations, tooth misalignment, speech problems, and hearing loss. Otitis media with effusion causing hearing loss is a problem for many cleft palate patients.

METHODS

This study examines the association among cleft severity, palate repair technique, and hearing outcomes in children from northern Finland with clefts, aged 3-9 years. The study included 90 cleft patients who were treated at the Oulu University Hospital Cleft Lip and Palate Center between 1998 and 2011. The severity of the cleft, the surgical technique used to repair the palate, audiogram configuration data, and the need for ventilation tube placement were determined retrospectively from patient records.

RESULTS

Only 3.3% of cleft patients had an abnormal pure tone average hearing threshold representing abnormal hearing. Neither the surgical technique used to repair the cleft palate nor the severity of the cleft was a significant factor related to hearing loss or to the number of ventilation tubes required. Hearing improved significantly with increasing age over a span of 6 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous follow-up with proactive placement of ventilation tubes before or at the time of palatoplasty results in hearing outcomes in cleft children that are similar to those reported in non-cleft children.

Stem cell regenerative therapy in alveolar cleft reconstruction

Achieving a successful and well-functioning reconstruction of craniofacial deformities still remains a challenge. As for now, autologous bone grafting remains the gold standard for alveolar cleft reconstruction. However, its aesthetic and functional results often remain unsatisfactory, which carries a long-term psychosocial and medical sequelae. Therefore, searching for novel therapeutic approaches is strongly indicated. With the recent advances in stem cell research, cell-based tissue engineering strategies move from the bench to the patients' bedside. Successful stem cell engineering employs a carefully selected stem cell source, a biodegradable scaffold with osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, as well as an addition of growth factors or cytokines to enhance osteogenesis. This review highlights recent advances in mesenchymal stem cell tissue engineering, discusses animal models and case reports of stem cell enhanced bone regeneration, as well as ongoing clinical trials.