Velopharyngeal Function Assessment in Patients With Cleft Palate: Perceptual Speech Assessment Versus Nasopharyngoscopy

Evaluation of postoperative outcomes in palatoplasty with three soft palate cleft repairs

The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative clinical and functional outcomes of palatoplasty with three soft palate cleft repairs and analyse the factors potentially impacting these outcomes. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a consecutive series of 337 patients who underwent primary cleft palate repair by palatoplasty modified with either Furlow Z-plasty (P-FZP, n = 77), intravelar veloplasty (P-IVV, n = 110), or combined intravelar veloplasty-Furlow Z-plasty (P-IVV-FZP, n = 150). The postoperative outcomes evaluated included wound healing (complete closure/fistula) and velopharyngeal function. Demographic and surgical data were analysed using both univariate and multivariate analysis. There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to the sex distribution, age at repair, cleft width, cleft type, or follow-up duration. However, relaxing incisions were significantly more common with P-FZP (26.0%) and P-IVV (29.1%) compared to P-IVV-FZP (10%) (P = 0.002 and <0.001, respectively). The complete wound closure rate was significantly higher with P-IVV-FZP (97.3%) compared to P-FZP (88.3%) (P = 0.012) and P-IVV (90%) (P = 0.015). The normal velopharyngeal function rate was comparable for P-IVV-FZP (86.7%) and P-FZP (83.1%), and both rates were significantly better than the rate with P-IVV (73.6%) (P = 0.039 and 0.029, respectively). The cleft type and width were identified as factors influencing postoperative outcomes. In conclusion, it may be appropriate to prioritize the palatoplasty with combined intravelar veloplasty-Furlow Z-plasty whenever feasible.

Single vs. Double-Opposing Z-Plasty: Evaluating Their Impact on Palatoplasty Postoperative Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The double-opposing Z-plasty is a fundamental approach for cleft palate repair. Recently, some surgeons have begun implementing a single Z-Plasty, igniting discussions on the most effective technique for enhancing postoperative outcomes. Consequently, this study sought to evaluate the outcomes of employing single and double Z-plasties within the modified Sommerlad-Furlow technique.

METHODS

116 cleft palate patients undergoing primary surgical repair were divided into two groups: those treated with the Sommerlad-Furlow method using a double-opposing Z-plasty (S.F.2.Z.P. group, n = 58) and those receiving a single nasal Z-plasty (S.F.1.Z.P. group, n = 58). Data on cleft type and width, soft palate length, palatal fistula, and velopharyngeal function were collected. Mann-Whitney test compared the mean values between groups.

RESULTS

The S.F.2ZP group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in soft palate length compared to those in the S.F.1ZP group (p = 0.008). However, the S.F.1ZP group demonstrated adequate soft palate length (7.9 ± 2.8 mm) compared to the S.F.2ZP group (9.3 ± 2.8 mm). The velopharyngeal function was good in both groups, with no significant differences (P = 0.52). While the proper velopharyngeal closure was 81% in the S.F.1ZP group and 87.9% in the S.F.2ZP group, velopharyngeal insufficiency was 10.3% and 5.2%, respectively. The rates of persistent palatal fistula were 5.2% in the S.F.1ZP group and 3.4% in the S.F.2ZP group, with no significant differences found between both groups (P = 0.64).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences in crucial outcomes such as velopharyngeal function and the incidence of persistent palatal fistulas, indicating the effectiveness of both techniques. While the double-opposing Z-plasty demonstrated a statistically significant increase in soft palate length, the a nasal Z-plasty demonstrated adequate soft palate length which sufficiently enables effective velopharyngeal closure. These outcomes suggest that a single Z-plasty is both effective and easy to perform, making it a valuable surgical approach for achieving the desired outcomes..

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The current study suggests that although the soft palate may not be as elongated with nasal Z-plasty alone compared to the double Z-plasty, it sufficiently enables effective velopharyngeal closure.

Models for Predicting Velopharyngeal Competence Based on Speech and Resonance Errors and Velopharyngeal Area Estimation

OBJECTIVE

To develop tools for predicting velopharyngeal competence (VPC) based on auditory-perceptual assessment and its correlation with objective measures of velopharyngeal orifice area.

DESIGN

Methodological study.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Sixty-two patients with repaired cleft palate, aged 6 to 45 years, underwent aerodynamic evaluation by means of the pressure-flow technique and audiovisual recording of speech samples. Three experienced speech-language pathologists analysed the speech samples by rating the following resonance, visual, and speech variables: hypernasality, audible nasal air emission, nasal turbulence, weak pressure consonants, facial grimacing, active nonoral errors, and overall velopharyngeal competence. The correlation between the perceptual speech variables and velopharyngeal orifice area estimates was analysed with Spearman's correlation coefficient. Two statistical models (discriminant and exploratory) were used to predict VPC based on the orifice area estimates. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed to verify the clinical applicability of the models.

RESULTS

There was a strong correlation between VPC (based on the orifice area estimates) and each speech variable. Both models showed 88.7% accuracy in predicting VPC. The sensitivity and specificity for the discriminant model were 92.3% and 97.2%, respectively, and 96.2% and 94.4% for the exploratory model.

CONCLUSION

Two predictor models based on ratings of resonance, visual, and speech variables and a simple calculation of a composite variable, SOMA (Eng. "sum"), were developed and found to be efficient in predicting VPC defined by orifice estimates categories based on aerodynamic measurements. Both tools may contribute to the diagnosis of velopharyngeal dysfunction in clinical practice.

Early Cleft Palate Repair by a Modified Technique Without Relaxing Incisions

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to evaluate a modified palatoplasty technique (MPT) concerning the postoperative outcomes and associated influencing factors.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

One hundred forty-three consecutive patients with non-syndromic cleft palate, who received MPT before one year of age within an oral and maxillofacial surgery department of a university-affiliated tertiary hospital between 2011-2017, were reviewed.

MAIN MEASURES

The postoperative wound healing and velopharyngeal function (VPF) were the primary outcome measures. The sex, age at surgery, cleft type, cleft width, palatal width, soft palate length, pharyngeal cavity depth, and operation duration were preselected as influencing factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

The mean age at surgery was 9 ± 1.31 months (5-11), and the average cleft width was 9.03 ± 2.41 mm (4-15). The rate of incomplete cleft palate was 84.6% while the complete cleft palate was 15.4%. Complete wound healing was reported in 96.5% while the others (3.5%) had persistent oronasal fistula. About 90.2% of cases have shown normal velopharyngeal function whereas the others (9.8%) had sustained velopharyngeal insufficiency. The wound healing appeared to be significantly impacted by cleft width and pharyngeal cavity depth (P = .015 and 0.049, respectively). However, none of the factors had a significant association with VPF.

CONCLUSIONS

The present modified palatoplasty technique has obtained a low fistula rate and appropriate speech outcome. Therefore, this MPT could be promoted for early repairing cleft palate of different severities.

Proposed clinical model for predicting speech outcomes in patients undergoing Furlow palatoplasty for velopharyngeal insufficiency after primary palatoplasty

This study aimed to validate the predictors of speech outcomes following Furlow palatoplasty in patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) after primary palatoplasty and to propose and validate a model to predict the risk of persistent VPI. The study included patients with VPI after primary palatoplasty who underwent Furlow palatoplasty as a secondary surgery. Eleven variables were included: velar length, pharyngeal cavity depth, velopharyngeal gap, velopharyngeal closure pattern, sex, presence of cleft lip, existence of palatal fistula, surgeon, age at primary palatoplasty, age at secondary surgery, and time interval between primary palatoplasty and secondary surgery. Postoperative speech outcomes were assessed at least 1 year after the secondary surgery and classified as velopharyngeal competence (VPC) or VPI. Variables were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis, and the area under the curve (AUC) was used to validate model accuracy. The study sample comprised 101 patients. Of the patients, 62 had VPC and 39 had VPI after secondary surgery. The results showed a younger age at secondary surgery, a smaller velopharyngeal gap, being female, having a coronal velopharyngeal closure pattern and a velopharyngeal closure ratio of 90% or greater produced a greater probability of VPC. Given the constraints of this study, it appears that the Furlow palatoplasty should be prioritized when the clinical model predicts a substantial likelihood of VPC post-surgery.

Prognostic Factors for Speech Outcome among Patients with Submucous Cleft Palate Managed by Furlow Palatoplasty or Posterior Pharyngeal Flap

BACKGROUND

Submucous cleft palate (SMCP) is a particular subtype of cleft deformity for which the optimal surgical timing and technique are still under debate. This study aimed to identify potential prognostic factors for the speech outcome of patients with SMCP and provide evidence for further management strategy optimization.

METHODS

The authors reviewed patients with nonsyndromic SMCP who received either Furlow palatoplasty (FP) or posterior pharyngeal flap (PPF) between 2008 and 2021 in a tertiary hospital-based cleft center. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to screen preoperative variables, including cleft type (overt or occult), age at surgery, mobility of velum and pharyngeal wall, velopharyngeal closure ratio, and pattern. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the cutoff value of the significant predictors for subgroup comparison.

RESULTS

A total of 131 patients were enrolled, with 92 receiving FP and 39 receiving PPF. Age at operation and cleft type were identified as having significant effects on FP outcome. Patients operated on before 9.5 years of age had a significantly higher velopharyngeal competence (VPC) rate than those operated on after that age. The speech outcome among patients with occult SMCP was significantly worse than that of patients with overt SMCP after FP treatment. No preoperative variable was found to be correlated with PPF outcome. PPF yielded a higher VPC rate than did FP among patients operated on after 9.5 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of patients with SMCP treated with FP is sensitive to age at surgery and cleft type. PPF may be considered for older patients in settings with limited access to multiple surgical procedures, especially when occult SMCP is diagnosed.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Evaluation of late cleft palate repair by a modified technique without relaxing incisions

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the postoperative outcomes together with analyzing the associated influencing factors following a late cleft palate repair by the Sommerlad-Furlow modified technique (S-F).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a retrospective cohort, 320 consecutive patients with cleft palate, who received S-F technique between 2011 and 2017, were reviewed. The patients were divided into three age groups, less than one year (143), one to two years (113), and greater than 2 years (64). The postoperative outcomes included wound healing (complete/fistula) and velopharyngeal function (VPF).

RESULTS

The overall cleft width was 10 ± 3.07 mm. The overall rates of complete wound healing and proper velopharyngeal function were 96.6% and 81.56%, respectively. No significant difference was found between the age groups regarding wound healing, with an overall fistula rate of 3.4%. The VPF was significantly varied among the age groups (P<0.001). In context, the rates of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) were 9.8%, 14.2%, and 45.4% among patients repaired at ˂1, 1-2, and >2 years old, respectively. The cleft type was the most potential factor associated with fistula. The age at repair was identified as the most implicating factor for VPI.

CONCLUSIONS

The S-F technique had achieved low fistula rate and satisfactory speech outcome, especially in early repair group and even in the wide cleft palate. The older age at repair and severe cleft type had a major impact on the postoperative outcomes.

Pearls and pitfalls in contemporary management of marginal velopharyngeal inadequacy among children with cleft palate

Marginal velopharyngeal inadequacy (MVPI) is a particular status of velopharyngeal closure after cleft palate repair. The physiological and phonological characteristics of patients with MVPI are significantly different from those with typical velopharyngeal insufficiency. The pathological mechanisms and diagnostic criteria of MVPI are still controversial, and there is limited evidence to guide the selection of surgical and non- surgical management options and a lack of recognized standards for treatment protocols. Based on a systematic study of the relevant literatures, this review identifies specific problems that are currently under-recognized in the diagnosis and treatment of MVPI and provides guidelines for further exploration of standardized and reasonable intervention protocols for MVPI.

Development of postoperative velopharyngeal function in patients with cleft palate

OBJECTIVE

Patients with a cleft palate often experience a velopharyngeal dysfunction known as velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). The purpose of this study was to examine the development of velopharyngeal function (VPF) following primary palatoplasty and the factors that are linked to it.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted to examine the medical records of patients who had cleft palate, with or without cleft lip (CP ± L) and underwent palatoplasty at a Tertiary Affiliated Hospital between 2004 and 2017. Postoperative evaluation of VPF was conducted at two follow-up times (T1, T2) and was classified as either normal VPF, mild VPI, or moderate/severe VPI. The consistency of VPF evaluations between the two time points was then assessed, and patients were categorized into either the consistent or inconsistent group. The study collected and analyzed data on gender, cleft type, age at operation, follow-up duration, and speech records.

RESULTS

The study included 188 patients with CP ± L. Out of these, 138 patients (73.4%) showed consistent VPF evaluations, while 50 patients (26.6%) showed inconsistent VPF evaluations. Among those with VPI at T1 (91 patients), 36 patients (39.6%) had normal VPF at T2. The rate of VPI decreased from 48.40% at T1 to 27.13% at T2, whereas the rate of normal VPF increased from 44.68% at T1 to 68.09% at T2. The consistent group had a significantly younger age at operation (2.90 ± 3.82 vs 3.68 ± 4.02), a longer duration of T1 (1.67 ± 0.97 vs 1.04 ± 0.59), and a lower comprehensive score of speech performance (1.86 ± 1.27 vs 2.60 ± 1.07) than the inconsistent group.

CONCLUSIONS

It has been verified that there are changes in the development of VPF over time. Patients who underwent palatoplasty at a younger age were more likely to have confirmed VPF diagnosis at the first evaluation. The duration of follow-up was identified as a critical factor that affects the confirmation of VPF diagnosis.

The Sommerlad-Furlow Modified Palatoplasty Technique: Postoperative Complications and Implicating Factors

OBJECTIVE

To explore the incidence of postoperative complications and investigate the impact of preselected factors on functional and quality of life outcomes following the Sommerlad-Furlow modified palatoplasty technique.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

METHODS

A total of 429 patients with cleft palate, who received Sommerlad-Furlow modified technique between 2011-2017 were enrolled. The postoperative complications including oronasal fistula (ONF), velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), and inadequate quality of life (QOL) were collected. Data of preselected factors including gender, age at palatoplasty, cleft type, cleft width, palatal width, pharyngeal cavity depth, and operation duration were also collected.

RESULTS

Among 429 patients, 40.1% were males whereas 59.9% were females. The mean age at palatoplasty was 1.23 ± 0.69 (0.42-4) years, and the average cleft width was 10.15 ± 2.95 (4-27) mm. The cleft types had recorded rates of about 6.8%, 69.5%, 17.7%, and 6.1% of Veau I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The overall incidence rates of ONF, VPI, and inadequate QOL were 2.3%, 19.4%, and 31.3%, respectively. In both the univariate and multivariate analyses, the cleft type was significantly implicated in ONF formation (p = 0.023 and 0.032, respectively) whereas the velopharyngeal function was impacted by the palatoplasty age (p ˂ 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that age of palatoplasty ≥1.3 years (area under the curve = 0.611, p = 0.002) was the cutoff value for predicting the incidence of VPI.

CONCLUSIONS

The Sommerlad-Furlow modified technique appears to have appropriate postoperative outcomes, even in the wide cleft palate. The older age at palatoplasty has a major impact on the overall postoperative outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 133:822-829, 2023.

Criteria for early and late velopharyngoplasty in 61 children with cleft palate

BACKGROUND

Velopharyngeal insufficiency persists in 15 to 30% of children with cleft palate, despite early velar surgery. Pharyngoplasty using a superior pedicle flap is the most common secondary surgery to treat velopharyngeal insufficiency. This study aims to identify the criteria leading to indicate velopharyngoplasty in 3 groups of age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

we conducted a retrospective single center study in the reference center for cleft palate in Paris from 2013 to 2016. We included 61 children with non-syndromic cleft operated on with a velopharyngoplasty for velopharyngeal insufficiency. Pre-operative speech and surgical assessments, as well as the operative reports of the children, were analyzed retrospectively using multivariate models.

RESULTS

We included 61 patients. The only criteria factor for an early velopharyngoplasty was the Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Scale (PWSS) score (OR 1.20, CI 95% 1.07 to 1.4 ; P=.006). Criteria for a late velopharyngoplasty were a degradation of the velopharyngeal function (OR 16.07, CI 95% 1.7 to 518.7 ; P=.041) and lost of follow-up (OR 5.78, CI 95% 3.9 to 4320 ; P=.017).

CONCLUSION

Criteria for early and late velopharyngoplasty were identified, and we demonstrated the insufficiency of Borel-Maisonny classification for scientific clinical study.

Comprehensive evaluation of velopharyngeal function in myasthenia gravis patients

PURPOSE

Hypernasality, which is a symptom of dysarthria, may be seen in patients with Myasthenia Gravis with bulbar symptoms. However, there is not enough evidence to show that these patients may have velopharyngeal dysfunction. This study investigates the features of velopharyngeal function in myasthenia gravis patients using objective and subjective measurement tools.

METHODS

Ten adult myasthenia gravis patients with bulbar symptoms and ten adult myasthenia gravis patients without bulbar symptoms were recruited for this study. Ten healthy subjects were also included as the control group. The nasalance scores of the participants were determined using a nasometer. The degree and pattern of velopharyngeal closure were scored using flexible nasoendoscopy during speech, blowing, dry swallowing, and food swallowing. Perceptual hypernasality was assessed.

RESULTS

Velopharyngeal dysfunction was detected in 50% of the myasthenia gravis patients with bulbar symptoms. Velopharyngeal dysfunction was not seen in myasthenia gravis patients without bulbar symptoms. The degree of velopharyngeal closure in patients with bulbar symptoms differed depending on the tasks being performed. No significant difference in velopharyngeal closure patterns was observed between the groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Myasthenia gravis patients with bulbar involvement may have velopharyngeal dysfunction. It is important to conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess all aspects of the velopharyngeal function.

Correlation of the Chinese velopharyngeal insufficiency-related quality of life instrument and speech in subjects with cleft palate

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of the hypothesized correlation between the Chinese Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI) Effects on Life Outcomes (VELO) instrument and measured speech parameters.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Oral Clefts Center of West China Hospital of Stomatology between January 2019 and December 2019. Speech parameters including speech intelligibility deficit, VPI severity, VP gap, and need for speech therapy were evaluated by speech-language pathologists. All patients and their parents completed the VELO instrument. The correlation between aforementioned speech parameters and VELO scores was examined utilizing Spearman correlation coefficients. The reliability of VELO test-retest and parent proxy assessment was estimated utilizing intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the cutoff VELO score.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty patients with their parents were enrolled. The mean age was 12.58 ± 3.72 years. Both parent and youth VELO total and domain scores recorded moderate to strong correlations with all speech parameters (r > -.40, P ˂ .001) except the swallowing domain. Most VELO domain items have shown significant correlations with at least one speech parameter. Moreover, the scales of all speech parameters showed different VELO scores (P ˂ .001). The ICC reported test-retest correlation >.73 in all domains, and parent proxy correlation >.63 in most domains except the emotional and perception domains. The cutoff VELO score was 79.04 in parent version and 85.77 in youth version.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlations between VELO scores and measured speech parameters have provided evidence for test-retest and parent proxy reliability and criterion and construct validity of the Chinese version of the VELO instrument. A VELO score ≥79.04 (in parent version) or ≥85.77 (in youth version) mostly reflects proper speech-related quality of life. Hence, this instrument could serve as a simple tool to help clinicians understand the social, emotional, and physical influences of VPI.

Evaluation of Velopharyngeal Closure Ratio by a New Semi-Automatic Detection Method Based on Nasopharyngoscopy With Image Processing Method

ABSTRACT

The goal of this study is to develop and validate a novel semi-automatic detection method (SADM) under nasopharyngoscopy based on the image processing technique, which can assist the evaluation of the velar closure ratio (VCR). After the development of the SADM, 72 patients were enrolled. The reliability of SADM was evaluated by repeated measurements. Velar closure ratio are given by conventional nasopharyngoscopy method and SADM were compared. Velar closure ratios given by SADM were further translated into a trichotomous classification for velopharyngeal function diagnosis, that is, velopharyngeal closure (VPC), marginal VPC (MVPC), and velopharyngeal incomplete. The 2 VCR-thresholds used for the translation were explored and validated. As results shown, SADM was proved to be reliable with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.996 (95% confidence interval: 0.993-0.997, P < 0.001). Intraclass correlation coefficient between conventional nasopharyngoscopy method and SADM was 0.954 (95% confidence interval: 0.927- 0.971, P < 0.001). Velar closure ratio-thresholds were set at 0.82 and 0.92 according to the ROC curve. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for velopharyngeal incomplete were 1.00 and 1.00. MVPC had 0.58 sensitivity and 0.96 specificities while VPC had 0.92 and 0.79, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the diagnosis of SADM and speech pathologists (P > 0.1). In conclusion, this study successfully developed an accurate and reliable semi-automatic method to evaluate VCR, which could help improve the efficacy of VCR evaluation and velopharyngeal function diagnosis.

Late Primary Palatoplasty in Skeletally Mature Patients: Obstacles and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

As the performance of late primary palatoplasty for skeletally mature patients remains controversial, there is little data available regarding speech outcomes for this patient population. The purpose of this study therefore is to identify and evaluate the impact of speech outcomes following late palate repair on skeletally mature patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on 19 consecutive skeletally mature patients who underwent late primary palate repair between 2010 and 2018. Speech assessment was performed preoperatively, between 3 and 6 months postoperatively, and then after 6 months postoperatively. Levels for hypernasality, oral pressure, and audible nasal air emission were scored and recorded.Patients were stratified by age, gender, presence of postoperative fistula, and Veau cleft type, in order to determine the impact of each variable on final speech outcomes. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the preoperative speech assessment with the postoperative speech outcomes, and the Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the impact of the above variables on final speech outcomes.

RESULTS

Our data showed overall postoperative speech improvement for all tested variables. Patients without postoperative fistula presented better results in oral pressure than those patients with postoperative fistula (P < 0.05). None of the other tested variables presented a significant negative impact on speech outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Late primary palatoplasty significantly improves speech outcomes for skeletally mature patients. Fistula has a negative impact on oral pressure.

Cleft Palate Repair: A Study Between Two Surgical Procedures

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to categorize and compare outcomes and sequels in 2 groups of patients born with unilateral and bilateral complete cleft lip/palate, having their primary cleft palate repair performed in our hospital, by the same surgical team, during 2 different periods of time, to establish which of the 2 surgical reconstructive strategies employed was more effective to decrease sequels.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a randomized clinical trial including a total of 291, nonsyndromic patients, primary assisted in our Hospital, between 2002 and 2013, and operated by the same senior surgeon.Two groups of patients of similar characteristics were treated utilizing 2 different surgical procedures according to the considered period. Isolated palates, syndromic patients, secondary and adult cases were considered as exclusion critters. Surgical data was obtained from medical records, and clinical examinations. All the patients were cautiously evaluated by a team expert to verify results, evolution, and sequels.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences in the total percentage of complications were found between both groups. Group A: 54.85% and Group B: 21.90% (P value < 0.001).Each complication was also considered by groups and estimated as follow: CONCLUSIONS:: Based on the results of our research, we can suggest the Carstens' variant plus the introduced modifications by the authors, as a useful surgical procedure to be utilized in primary complete unilateral or bilateral cleft palate repair to prevent post op common complications.

Crowdsourcing to Assess Speech Quality Associated With Velopharyngeal Dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

To assess crowdsourced responses in the evaluation of speech outcomes in children with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD).

DESIGN

Fifty deidentified speech samples were compiled. Multiple pairwise comparisons obtained by crowdsourcing were used to produce a rank order of speech quality. Ratings of overall and specific speech characteristics were also collected. Twelve speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who specialize in VPD were asked to complete the same tasks. Crowds and experts completed each task on 2 separate occasions at least 1 week apart.

SETTING

On-line crowdsourcing platform.

PARTICIPANTS

Crowdsource raters were anonymous and at least 18 years of age, North American English speakers with self-reported normal hearing. Speech-language pathologists were recruited from multiple cleft/craniofacial teams.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Correlation of repeated assessments and comparison of crowd and SLP assessments.

RESULTS

We obtained 6331 lay person assessments that met inclusion criteria via crowdsourcing within 8 hours. The crowds provided reproducible Elo rankings of speech quality, ρ(48) = .89; P <.0001, and consistent ratings of intelligibility and acceptability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = .87 and .92) on repeated assessments. There was a significant correlation of those crowd rankings, ρ(10) = .86; P = .0003, and ratings (ICC = .75 and .79) with those of SLPs. The correlation of more specific speech characteristics by the crowds and SLPs was moderate to weak (ICC < 0.65).

CONCLUSIONS

Crowdsourcing shows promise as a rapid way to obtain large numbers of speech assessments. Reliability of repeated assessments was acceptable. Large groups of naive raters yield comparable evaluations of overall speech acceptability, intelligibility, and quality, but are not consistent with expert raters for specific speech characteristics such as resonance and nasal air emission.

A Preliminary Dynamic Investigation on Velopharyngeal Movements During Blowing: A New Approach for Evaluation

PURPOSE

To explore an alternative approach to evaluate velopharyngeal function on those speakers with compensatory misarticulation.

METHOD

Nasopharyngeal endoscopy was used to observe the velopharyngeal movement on 26 adult Mandarin speakers during articulation and different nonverbal state, including SCPS, DCPS, and ABS.

RESULTS

There were significant differences for the rate of velopharyngeal incompetence (RVPI) among the 4 different states. The RVPI was least for the Articulation State, followed by the Air Blowing and DCPS. The RVPI was largest for the SCPS.

CONCLUSION

The result indicated that the ABS may be used as an alternative approach to evaluate the velopharyngeal function instead of the articulation samples while patients cannot make clear articulation due to compensatory misarticulation habits. It merits further study on nonverbal activities, which could lay a foundation for exploring more effective approach for evaluation of the velopharyngeal function.

Age and Preoperative Velar Closure Ratio Are Significantly Associated With Surgical Outcome of Furlow Double-Opposing Z-Plasty in Palatal Re-Repair

PURPOSE

The patient selection criteria for Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty in palatal re-repair remain obscure. This study investigated whether patients' preoperative characteristics significantly affected the surgical outcome of Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty in palatal re-repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We designed and implemented a case-control study nested in a cohort, which could be divided into 2 stages. In the first stage, a retrospective cohort study was performed to collect basic information and the preoperative status of the patients who would undergo Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty to correct velopharyngeal insufficiency after primary cleft palate repair. Eight predictor variables were included: age, gender, primary surgical technique, velopharyngeal closure pattern, velar movement, lateral pharyngeal wall movement, levator muscle orientation, and preoperative velar closure ratio. The outcome variable was postoperative velopharyngeal function described as velopharyngeal competence or velopharyngeal insufficiency. In the second stage, a case-control analysis was performed to explore the potential factors affecting the surgical outcome. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to examine the relationship between the predictor variables and surgical outcome.

RESULTS

The sample was composed of 83 patients and resulted in 54 velopharyngeal competence outcomes and 29 velopharyngeal insufficiency outcomes after surgery. Two predictors showed statistical significance: age and preoperative velar closure ratio. The possibility of postoperative velopharyngeal insufficiency in patients older than 14.5 years was 6 times higher than that in patients younger than 14.5 years. The possibility of postoperative velopharyngeal insufficiency in patients with preoperative velar closure ratios of 0.9 or greater was one fifth that in patients with preoperative velar closure ratios between 0.8 and less than 0.9.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that age and preoperative velar closure ratio are significantly associated with postoperative velopharyngeal insufficiency. Age was a risk factor in achieving good surgical outcomes, and the preoperative velar closure ratio remained a protective factor.

[Application of team approach and key techniques of cleft lip and palate]

The development of an expert consensus based on specific domestic situations will provide practical guidance to the efforts aiming at improving cleft care in China. The team approach of twenty-one cleft centers were pooled together, covering pre-surgical orthopedics, primary surgical repair, orthodontic treatment, alveolar bone graft, secondary deformity correction, palatal fistulae repair, the diagnosis and treatment of velopharyngeal incompetence, speech therapy, otitis media management, and skeletal deformity correction. Agreement was achieved among the authors concerning the application of critical surgical and non-surgical techniques. The ambition of this consensus is to introduce more clinicians to the revolution of sequential treatment of clefts, and form the basis for a more comprehensive cleft care manual in the future.

Nasoendoscopic findings after primary palatal surgery: can the Furlow technique result in a smaller velopharyngeal gap?

PURPOSE

To compare the nasoendoscopic findings related to the velopharyngeal gap among patients with cleft palate who underwent the Furlow (F) technique and those who underwent the von Langenbeck (vL) technique for primary palatal surgery, who remained with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI).

METHODS

The analyzed data were retrieved from the institution's data of recordings of nasoendoscopic exams. The sample comprised 70 recorded nasoendoscopic exams obtained from 22 patients who underwent the F technique and from 48 who underwent the vL technique during primary palatoplasty, who remained with VPI after surgery and were submitted to nasoendoscopy, between the ages of 5 and 15 years (mean age: 8 years), for definition of the best treatment for VPI. The images were edited into a DVD in a randomized sequence to be assessed by three experienced speech language pathologists regarding displacement and excursion of the soft palate; displacement and excursion of lateral pharyngeal's walls; displacement and excursion of the posterior pharyngeal's wall; and presence of the Passavant ridge and size and type of velopharyngeal gap.

RESULTS

The results of the comparison of measurements between F and vL groups were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The surgical technique used in primary palatoplasty was not relevant to determine the difference in the size of the velopharyngeal gap for patients who maintained VPI.

Impact of inter-judge agreement on perceptual judgment of nasality

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of perceptual inter-judge agreement of hypernasality on velopharyngeal (VP) closure prediction.

METHODS

Two logistic regression models were developed aiming to verify the possibility of predicting the VP closure using the following characteristics: rating of VP closure (adequate, borderline, inadequate), determined by the pressure-flow technique, degree of hypernasality (absent, mild, moderate, severe), and the presence/absence of nasal air emission and nasal rustle determined perceptually by three experienced speech language pathologists. In the first model, 100 speech samples with a moderate agreement rate of hypernasality (kappa coefficient: 0.41) were used. In the second model, 43 speech samples with a perfect agreement among judges were included. The χ²-test was used to compare the models (p≤0.05).

RESULTS

In the first model, 65 of the 100 samples were rated in the correct VP closure category, with 42 adequate and 23 inadequate. The borderline VP closure was not predicted. The second model rated 31 of the 43 samples in the correct category, with 21 adequate VP closure, 5 in the borderline VP closure, and 5 inadequate. There was no difference (p=0.526) between the two models. However, the second model showed a higher proportion of accuracy (7%) than the first one, and it has also predicted the borderline VP closure.

CONCLUSION

These results showed the importance of high index of inter-judge agreement when using subjective parameters of speech evaluation, especially when compared to an instrumental evaluation. This suggests the need for strategies for training and calibration of judges in the perceptual judgment to improve the reliability of auditory-perceptual assessment.

The effect of sound intensity on velopharyngeal function in normal individuals

OBJECTIVE

Velopharyngeal closure is an important physiological process contributing to the normal function of speech and swallowing. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of sound intensity on velopharyngeal function in normal individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lateral cephalograms of 38 volunteers obtained at rest and during phonation of vowel /i:/ at both high and low sound intensity were carefully analyzed. The digital sound level meter was used to evaluate and record the sound intensity of the phonation process. The angular and linear parameters on the lateral cephalograms were then measured to reveal the correlation between sound intensity and velopharyngeal closure.

RESULTS

All the angular parameter values measured in the study were significantly greater in high sound intensity condition. As for linear parameters, all values were found to be significantly larger at high sound intensity, except for the effective velopharyngeal length and the vertical velopharyngeal length. A multiple linear regression model was set up to describe the correlation between the sound intensity, the effective velopharyngeal length, and velopharyngeal closure. With the increase of sound intensity and the decrease of the effective velopharyngeal length, the width of velopharyngeal closure is enlarged.

CONCLUSIONS

As one of the characteristic features of sound wave, the sound intensity was found to affect the objectively measured parameters of velopharyngeal closure on lateral cephalograms.