Questionnaire evaluation of feeding methods for cleft lip and palate neonates

Breastfeeding and Cleft Lip and Palate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) and breastfeeding (BF).

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed based on studies published in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, BBO, and Embase databases, and in the gray literature. The search occurred in September 2021 and was updated in March 2022. Observational studies evaluating the association between BF and CL/P were included. Risk of bias was analyzed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Frequency of BF in relation to the presence or absence of CL/P, as well as to the type of CL/P. The association between cleft type and BF challenges was also evaluated.

RESULTS

From a total of 6863 studies identified, 29 were included in the qualitative review. Risk of bias was moderate and high in most studies (n = 26). There was a significant association between the presence of CL/P and absence of BF (OR = 18.08; 95% CI 7.09-46.09). Individuals with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP ± L) had a significantly lower frequency of BF (OR = 5.93; 95% CI 4.30-8.16) and a significantly higher frequency of BF challenges (OR = 13.55; 95% CI 4.91-37.43) compared to individuals with CL. Certainty of the evidence was low or very low in all analyses.

CONCLUSION

The presence of clefts, especially those with palate involvement, is associated with higher chances of absence of BF.

Growth Patterns Between Ages 0 and 36 Months Among US Children With Orofacial Cleft: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Little is known about how young children with orofacial cleft grow over time.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize longitudinal growth patterns from ages 0 to 36 months in US children with an orofacial cleft.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Children with cleft lip, cleft lip and palate, or cleft palate who were younger than age 36 months at a hospital encounter between 2010 and 2019 (N = 1334) were included. The setting was a US tertiary care children's hospital with a cleft center that serves a 5-state region.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Weight-for-age z scores (WAZ) and length-for-age z scores (LAZ).

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED

Longitudinal growth patterns were characterized using generalized linear mixed models to estimate mean WAZ and LAZ from age 0 to 36 months.

RESULTS

Growth in infants with cleft slowed dramatically during the first 3 to 4 months of life, rebounded with catch-up growth until age 12 months for cleft lip and cleft palate and until age 36 months for cleft lip and palate. When comparing populations, children with any type of cleft demonstrated subpar growth compared with World Health Organization standards. Growth deficits were more common in those with cleft lip and palate and cleft palate compared with those with cleft lip. The intraclass coefficient showed that most of the variability in the WAZ (65%) was between individuals, whereas 35% was within an individual. The intraclass coefficient for LAZ showed that most of the variability in the LAZ (74%) was between individuals, whereas 26% was within an individual. The proportion of variance attributable to cleft type and/or comorbidities accounted for <5% of the variance for WAZ and LAZ. WAZ and LAZ were lower in children with comorbidities than those without comorbidities with cleft and World Health Organization standards.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants with cleft lip and palate, cleft palate, and a cleft with comorbidities have higher rates of poor growth than peers with cleft lip and a cleft with no comorbidities, respectively.

The relation between clinically diagnosed and parent-reported feeding difficulties in children with and without clefts

A cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is one of the most common craniofacial malformations, occurring worldwide in about one in 600-1000 newborn infants. CL/P is known to influence the feeding process negatively, causing feeding difficulties in 25-73% of all children with CL/P. Because there is a risk for serious complications in these children regarding feeding difficulties, there is often a need for intensive medical counseling and treatment. At this moment, adequate diagnosis and measurement remain a challenge and often lead to a delayed referral for professional help. Since parents play a big part in reporting feeding difficulties, it is important to help objectify parents' experiences, as well as the use of a frontline screening instrument for routine check-ups during medical appointments. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between parent perspective and standardized observation by medical professionals on feeding difficulties in 60 children with and without clefts at the age of 17 months. We focus on the information from parents and health professionals by comparing the Observation List Spoon Feeding and the Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment with the validated Dutch translation of the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale.  Conclusion: There is a need for timely and adequate diagnosis and referral when it comes to feeding difficulties in children with CL/P. This study underscores the importance of combining both parental observations and measurements of oral motor skills by healthcare professionals to enable this. What is Known: • Early identification of feeding difficulties can prevent adversely affected growth and development. • Clefts increase the probability of feeding difficulties; however, the diagnostic trajectory is unclear. • The Observation List Spoon Feeding (OSF) and Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment (SOMA) are validated to measure oral motor skills. The Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale Dutch version (MCH-FSD) has been validated for the parental perception of infant feeding difficulties. What is New: • Parents of children with CL/P experience relatively few feeding problems in their child on average. • Oral motor skills for spoon feeding are associated with oral motor skills for solid foods in children with CL/P. • The extent of the cleft is associated with experiencing more feeding difficulties in children with CL/P.

Eating and swallowing disorders in children with cleft lip and/or palate

Introduction. Cleft lip and palate are complex congenital anomalies of the orofacial system of children. Feeding and swallowing problems occur with varying degrees in children with cleft lip and/or palate. Aim. The aim of this paper was to review the literature and available evidence regarding the types of eating and swallowing disorders that can be identified in children with cleft lip and/or palate, as well as a description and types of compensatory strategies and interventions to alleviate difficulties. Methods. Insight into the relevant literature was performed by specialized search engines on the internet and insight into the electronic database. Results. The extent of the cleft is related to the severity of eating and swallowing disorders, so the most common problems are decreased oral sensitivity, cough, choking, nasal regurgitation, difficulty in sucking, laryngotracheal aspiration due to inadequate airway protection during swallowing, which may result in pneumonia and lung damage. Feeding and swallowing difficulty is also a source of stress for parents. Conclusion. Choking, coughing, nasal regurgitation, laryngotracheal aspiration, excessive air intake can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, but also the need for alternative feeding methods Therefore, it is of great importance to identify the problems of feeding and swallowing in a timely manner, along with modifications of the feeding method.

A Systematic Review of Feeding Interventions for Infants with Cleft Palate

OBJECTIVE

Various devices and techniques have been proposed to reduce feeding difficulties experienced by infants with cleft palate. The aim of this review is to identify and assess the scope and quality of evidence for these interventions.

METHODS

A systematic review of published literature evaluating feeding interventions for infants with cleft palate (with or without cleft lip) from database inception to 2021 was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines. Quality appraisal of included studies was conducted using a methodological index for nonrandomized studies, Cochrane, or a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews 2 instruments, according to study type.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria, with the majority (71%) of studies consisting of second-level evidence. Included interventions were specialty bottles (21%), alternative feeding delivery systems (14%), obturators (14%), and educational programs (14%). Specialty bottles and palatal obturators did not appear to offer any substantial growth advantages compared to traditional bottles or no intervention, respectively. Designated education programs for the mothers of infants with clefts had a positive impact on infant growth.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall evidence evaluating feeding interventions for infants with cleft palate was moderate to low. While it does not appear that specialized feeding delivery systems or palatal obturators significantly improve growth in infants with clefts compared to children without cleft conditions, education programs do appear to be beneficial.

A Pilot Study of Mothers' Breastfeeding Experiences in Infants With Cleft Lip and/or Palate

BACKGROUND

Despite the recognized importance of human milk (HM) use, breastfeeding is often discouraged for infants with cleft lip and/or palate because of their anatomical abnormalities. Poor weight gain may require formula for calorie supplementation. Stresses associated with caring for infants with cleft lip/palate may decrease rates of HM provision to these infants.

PURPOSE

This study investigates the experiences of mothers of infants with cleft lip/palate (CL/P) to determine choices and factors associated with providing HM to their infants.

METHODS

A retrospective telephone survey was administered to a cohort of mothers of infants with CL/P.

RESULTS

Fifty mothers agreed to participate in the survey. Most (78%) initiated use of HM for a median duration of 4 months, 32% provided HM for 6 months or more, and 79% exclusively expressed their HM. Poor supply was the most frequent challenge to providing HM and led to cessation in 46% of the mothers. Formula was used to supplement for poor supply or poor infant weight gain in 90% of the mothers. The best predictors of a mother's use of HM were child not in day care, genetic diagnosis, and gestational age at birth. Only 36% of mothers reported individual encouragement to provide HM, and 18% reported they were specifically discouraged from providing HM for their infants.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Although initiation rates were high, there are opportunities to improve support for mothers to increase duration of HM provision in children with CL/P.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

This study establishes a baseline for future prospective studies looking at the impact of active encouragement and provision of lactation support within the cleft team setting.

Parent Perceptions of Initial Feeding Experiences of Children Born With Cleft Palate in a Rural Locale

Background and Hypothesis:

An early problem frequently present in infants born with cleft lip (CL), cleft lip and palate (CLP), or cleft palate (CP) is difficulty feeding. In many cases, health-care professionals are not familiar with the appropriate feeding techniques and unable to instruct parents correctly. This problem can be particularly significant in rural areas where health-care resources are limited and children with clefts are seen on an infrequent basis. The purpose of the investigation was to study the initial feeding experiences of parents who reside in rural areas and whose children were born with CL, CLP, or CP.

Method:

A 29-item questionnaire was developed and administered to 26 families. The results were analyzed and summarized descriptively.

Results and Conclusion:

The majority of parents reported initial difficulties with feeding their infants. They indicated the need to seek information and assistance from various sources. As a result of the findings, an informational resource was developed to inform rural health-care professionals of the early feeding issues of children born with CL, CLP, or CP.

A Retrospective Study Identifying Breast Milk Feeding Disparities in Infants with Cleft Palate

BACKGROUND

Breast milk represents the optimal substrate for all infants, including those with a cleft palate for whom growth may be compromised.

OBJECTIVES

Frequency of breast milk feeding at the breast and per feeder (bottle, cup, enteral tube) in infants with cleft palate was determined and compared with rates reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A secondary aim was to review growth status of the infants.

DESIGN

This study represents a 5-year retrospective review using the electronic medical record.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Patients were ≤12 months old at the time of the initial, presurgical encounter after a diagnosis of cleft palate had been made and were treated at one of two pediatric cleft palate and craniofacial centers in Ohio between September 30, 2010, and September 30, 2015.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcomes measured were breast milk use, reported by mothers and documented in patients' electronic medical records, chronological body weight, as well as weight for length and weight-for-age z scores and percentiles.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED

Descriptive statistics included median with interquartile range and frequency with percentages. World Health Organization z scores were estimated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention programs for weight, weight for length, and weight for age at first visit. Comparisons of infants treated at the two hospitals were done using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test or the χ2 test.

RESULTS

Breast milk consumption (26 infants were breastfed and 84 received human breast milk administered with a device) was 29.5%, markedly below the 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention national statistics for ever receiving breast milk (81%). Anthropometric findings included z scores of -0.95 and -0.42 for weight for age and weight for length, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants with cleft palate were seldom breastfed, nor was breast milk frequently used. In addition, median weight-for-age and weight-for-length z scores suggest that growth of infants with cleft palate was below normative standards.

Trends in Enteral Access Placement Among Patients With Oral Clefts: Evaluation of 46 617 Patient Admissions

OBJECTIVE

It is well known that patients with oral clefts have challenges with feeding. Enteral feeding access, in the form of gastrostomy, is often utilized to supplement or replace oral intake. Although commonly performed, these procedures have reported complication rates as high as 83%. We intend to discover rates of enteral access in patients with oral clefts and report-related outcomes.

DESIGN

The Healthcare Cost Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database from 2000 to 2012 was analyzed using patients with oral clefts and enteral access procedures. The χ² test was used for univariate analyses of proportions, and linear regression was used to analyze trends. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze odds ratios.

RESULTS

Of the 46 617 patient admissions included, 14.6% had isolated cleft lip (CL), 51.7% cleft lip and palate (CLP), and 43.7% isolated cleft palate. The rates of enteral access in the oral cleft population increased from 3.7% in 2000 to 5.8% in 2012 ( P < .001). Increased rates were identified in patients with ( P = .019) and without ( P < .001) complex conditions. A significant increase in the rate of enteral access was seen in patients with CLP ( P < .001) and isolated cleft palate ( P < .001). No difference was seen in the isolated CL group ( P = .096). Patients with complex conditions were at a 4.4-fold increased risk and those admitted to urban, teaching hospitals were at a 4.7-fold risk of enteral access placement.

CONCLUSIONS

The rates for enteral feeding access increased significantly from 2000 to 2012. The reasons for the increased incidence are unclear. Invasive enteral access procedures have been shown to have a multitude of complications. Careful patient selection should be done before placement of invasive enteral access.

A Prospective, Longitudinal Study of Feeding Skills in a Cohort of Babies with Cleft Conditions

Objective:

To examine the natural history of feeding skills in babies with clefts and identify risk factors and predictors of poor feeding.

Participants:

Sixty-two babies with clefts were examined at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 14 months of age.

Main Outcome Measures:

Feeding ability, oral motor function, and feeding efficiency were assessed. Univariate analyses were used to determine whether oral motor function and sequelae varied according to feeding ability or cleft condition. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine risk factors for poor feeding.

Results:

Poor feeding skills were detected in one third of newborns. The prevalence of poor feeding reduced to 19% at 3 months of age and 15% at 14 months of age. Oral motor dysfunction and sequelae (particularly nasal regurgitation) were more commonly observed in babies with poor feeding skills irrespective of comorbidity. The main risk factor for poor feeding was a diagnosis of syndrome or Pierre Robin sequence (PRS). At 2 weeks of age, babies with syndrome or PRS were 15 times more likely to have poor feeding skills than their nonsyndromic counterparts. When syndrome or PRS was controlled for, babies with cleft palate and cleft lip and palate were equally likely to have poor feeding skills. Parental report of feeding efficiency was predictive of poor feeding in young babies.

Conclusions:

Poor feeding skills are relatively common in newborns with cleft palate and cleft lip and palate. Treatment for feeding problems may be needed beyond the first year of life, especially for babies born with PRS or a syndrome.

Population-Based Study on the Practice of Breastfeeding in Children Born with Cleft Lip and Palate

Objective

To investigate the practice of breastfeeding and related difficulties in children born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, with cleft lip, cleft palate, and cleft lip with cleft palate.

Design

Cohort, observational, and population-based study.

Population and Sample

Mothers of all children born in 2001 and 2002 with cleft lip and palate in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil (n = 31), were interviewed in their homes. From the information collected, the frequencies of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding in the first year of life were estimated and the median duration was computed according to the type of cleft. A descriptive analysis was used to study the difficulties.

Main Indicators

Initiation rate, pattern, duration, and difficulties of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding.

Results

The initiation rate of breastfeeding was 100% and its median duration was 42.5 days. Exclusive breastfeeding was initiated by 67.7% of the sample and maintained for 15 days (median). The breastfeeding duration was significantly higher in the presence of cleft lip, being equal or even superior to (in the case of exclusive breastfeeding) the median of Porto Alegre's general population. The most frequently mentioned difficulties were weak suction, difficulty attaching to the breast, and breast milk escaping through the nostrils.

Conclusions

In spite of the diverse difficulties reported and the lack of professional support after discharge from the maternity wards, the initiation rate and the duration of breastfeeding of children with cleft lip and palate found in this study reinforce the theory that this malformation, especially cleft lip, is compatible with successful breastfeeding.

A Review of Feeding Interventions for Infants with Cleft Palate

Objective

A literature review was conducted to identify feeding interventions recommended for infants with cleft conditions. Selected articles were critically appraised using an evidence-based practice framework to determine the strength of the evidence underpinning each intervention.

Design

Electronic databases were searched for reports of cleft palate feeding interventions. The selected articles were coded as being data driven or not; those containing data were then critically appraised using a recognized evidence hierarchy. Finally, each report was ascribed a level of evidence (from I to IV), depending on the quality of data presented.

Results

Fifty-five articles published between 1955 and 2002 were reviewed. There are currently no completed systematic reviews relevant to this body of literature (level I evidence). Two well-designed randomized controlled trials (level II evidence) were found. These were considered to provide the strongest evidence for feeding intervention techniques. These articles described a combination of interventions, including early feeding and nutrition education, as well as assisted feeding methods for infants with isolated cleft conditions. Three examples of level III.3 evidence were also found. Fifty (91%) of 55 articles reviewed were non–data-driven reports of expert opinion (level IV).

Conclusions

A paucity of evidence rated as either moderate or strong prevailed, underscoring the need for ongoing scientific evaluation of feeding interventions used with infants who have cleft palate. A number of factors, including the heterogeneity of samples studied, lack of replication of trials, and small sample sizes, affected the type and strength of evidence underpinning specific feeding interventions.

Initial Nutritional Assessment of Infants With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: Interventions and Return to Birth Weight

OBJECTIVE

To assess and quantify cleft team practices with regard to nutritional support in the neonatal period Design :  Retrospective review.

SETTING

Tertiary pediatric hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred consecutive newborn patients with a diagnosis of cleft lip and/or cleft palate between 2009 and 2012.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Birth weight, cleft type, initial cleft team weight measurements, initial feeding practices, recommended nutritional interventions, and follow-up nutritional assessments.

RESULTS

All patients in the study were evaluated by a registered dietitian and an occupational feeding therapist. Average birth weight and average age at the first cleft team visit were similar for each cleft type: cleft lip (CL), cleft lip and palate (CLP), and cleft palate (CP). The calculated age (in days) for return to birth weight was significantly different between cleft types: CL = 13.58 days, CLP = 15.88 days, and CP = 21.93 days. Exclusive use of breast milk was 50% for patients with CL, 30.3% for patients with CLP, and 21.4% for patients with CP. Detailed nutritional interventions were made for 31 patients at the first visit: two with CL, 14 with CLP, and 15 with CP.

CONCLUSIONS

Distinct differences were seen in neonatal weight gain between cleft types. There was significantly greater total weight gain for patients with CL at their first visit and significantly slower return to birth weight for patients with isolated CP. Patients with CL required far fewer interventions at the initial assessment and were more likely to be provided breast milk exclusively or in combination with formula. Infants with CP were far less likely to receive any breast milk. Patients with CLP and CP required frequent nutritional interventions.

Maiden morsel - feeding in cleft lip and palate infants

Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common craniofacial anomalies that have an incidence of 0.28 to 3.74 per 1000 live births globally. Due to the great advancements in the field of medical science, these anomalies can today be corrected. However, it cannot be ignored that the parents of these patients may face psychological stress due to the cleft defects in the baby. Also, these conditions may cause financial difficulties to the parents and cause anxiety to the mother about the proper feeding of their infant. Feeding problems can range from excessive air intake to failure to thrive. As the management of such cases is lengthy and includes a multi-disciplinary team approach, it is the role of the Pediatrician/Pedodontist to educate the mother about the proper feeding techniques. In this article, we have reviewed and highlighted the various traditional and advanced devices and techniques which help in the successful management of these individuals.

An evaluation of factors influencing feeding in babies with a cleft palate with and without a cleft lip

The objective of this article was to determine the impact of different bottles and teats for feeding babies with a cleft palate (with and without a cleft lip) on weight velocity, feeding behaviour, and maternal self-esteem. A mixed methods study incorporating the use of diaries to record feeding patterns of babies and levels of professional support received was used. Growth was assessed by converting weights into standard deviation scores and using the differences to express weight velocity over a six-week period. Visual analogue scales were used to assess mothers' perceptions of their children and themselves. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) was used to identify maternal depression. The study demonstrated that the most significant effect on weight was determined by cleft type. Babies with isolated clefts of the hard and soft palate experienced greater feeding problems and suffered the biggest weight losses. This remained significant independently of the type of bottle/teat used. Poor weight gain was also associated with a mother's low perception of herself and her child, and her tendency towards depression. The study highlights the importance of the early assessment of babies' feeding skills and regular follow-up and support from trained and experienced nurse specialists.

Role of obturators and other feeding interventions in patients with cleft lip and palate: a review

BACKGROUND

Newborns with cleft palate have a distorted maxillary arch at birth. Depending upon the type of cleft, infants suffer from a variety of problems, many of which are related to feeding difficulties. Feeding these babies is an immediate concern because there is evidence of delayed growth of children with cleft lip and palate (CLCP) compared to normal infants. Many methods have been devised to overcome these problems, including the use of special bottles, nipples, and initial obturator therapy.

REVIEW

A Pub Med search was conducted using the following search terms: feeding interventions in cleft lip and palate, feeding plate/obturator in cleft palate. All the relevant articles were studied and the reference list of selected articles was also studied. Effects of different feeding interventions in infants with cleft palate with special emphasis on obturators, based on descriptive reports, expert opinions, and available data from clinical trials was reviewed.

RESULTS

The combination of search terms generated a list of 74 articles out of which 51 articles were excluded based on analyses of abstracts and full texts. Three additional publications were identified by the manual search. A total of 26 relevant articles were selected which included randomised controlled trials and descriptive studies on feeding interventions and obturators.

CONCLUSION

A single intervention may not fulfil all feeding requirements of infants with CLCP. Combined use of different feeding interventions such as palatal obturator, Haberman feeder, and breast milk pump and lactation education may successfully meet the feeding needs of both mother and child.

Prevalence of feeding disorders in children with cleft palate only: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study in children with cleft palate only (CPO) is to (1) explore the prevalence of feeding problems on a retrospective basis, (2) investigate rates of nasogastric (NG) feeding, (3) examine the prevalence of associated disorders and/or syndromes (AssD/S), (4) investigate if there are certain risk factors associated with feeding difficulties, NG feeding, and failure of breastfeeding, and (5) investigate the effect of palatoplasty on feeding difficulties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 90 questionnaires were included in this study. The medical records were reviewed.

RESULTS

Feeding difficulties were reported in 67% (n = 60) of all cases. NG feeding was given in 32% (n = 28) of all children. Forty-nine children (54%) have associated malformations. There is no significant relation for gender, gestational age, and birth weight as risk factors for feeding difficulties, NG feeding, and failure of breastfeeding. The severity of the cleft is significantly related to the prevalence of AssD/S. After palatoplasty, feeding difficulties improved in 79% of the CPO children.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

First, our results clearly indicate that children with CPO are at high risk of developing feeding difficulties (67%); NG feeding is often necessary (32%). Second, our results also indicate that the more severe the cleft, the more likely the chance for AssD/S. Third, the severity of the cleft is significantly related to the prevalence of AssD/S. Fourth, there is no significant relation for gender, gestational age, and birth weight as risk factors for feeding difficulties, NG feeding, and failure of breastfeeding. Fifth, improvement of feeding difficulties after surgery supports the importance of the soft palate closure in relation to sucking patterns and feeding skills.

Feeding interventions for growth and development in infants with cleft lip, cleft palate or cleft lip and palate

BACKGROUND

Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth defects, affecting about one baby of every 700 born. Feeding these babies is an immediate concern and there is evidence of delay in growth of children with a cleft as compared to those without clefting. In an effort to combat reduced weight for height, a variety of advice and devices are recommended to aid feeding of babies with clefts.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to assess the effects of these feeding interventions in babies with cleft lip and/or palate on growth, development and parental satisfaction.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The following electronic databases were searched: the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register (to 27 October 2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 4), MEDLINE via OVID (1950 to 27 October 2010), EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 27 October 2010), PsycINFO via OVID (1950 to 27 October 2010) and CINAHL via EBSCO (1980 to 27 October 2010). Attempts were made to identify both unpublished and ongoing studies. There was no restriction with regard to language of publication.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies were included if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of feeding interventions for babies born with cleft lip, cleft palate or cleft lip and palate up to the age of 6 months (from term).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Studies were assessed for relevance independently and in duplicate. All studies meeting the inclusion criteria were data extracted and assessed for validity independently by each member of the review team. Authors were contacted for clarification or missing information whenever possible.

MAIN RESULTS

Five RCTs with a total of 292 babies, were included in the review. Comparisons made within the RCTs were squeezable versus rigid feeding bottles (two studies), breastfeeding versus spoon-feeding (one study) and maxillary plate versus no plate (two studies). No statistically significant differences were shown for any of the primary outcomes when comparing bottle types, although squeezable bottles were less likely to require modification. No difference was shown for infants fitted with a maxillary plate compared to no plate. However, there was some evidence of an effect on weight at 6 weeks post-surgery in favour of breastfeeding when compared to spoon-feeding (mean difference 0.47; 95% confidence interval 0.20 to 0.74).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Squeezable bottles appear easier to use than rigid feeding bottles for babies born with clefts of the lip and/or palate, however, there is no evidence of a difference in growth outcomes between the bottle types. There is weak evidence that breastfeeding is better than spoon-feeding following surgery for cleft. There was no evidence to suggest that maxillary plates assist growth in babies with clefts of the palate. No evidence was found to assess the use of any types of maternal advice and/or support for these babies.

The nature of feeding in infants with unrepaired cleft lip and/or palate compared with healthy noncleft infants

OBJECTIVE

Feeding difficulties are reported widely in infants with cleft lip and/ or palate. There is, however, a paucity of objective information about the feeding patterns of these infants. This study compared patterns of feeding in infants with unrepaired cleft lip and palate with healthy noncleft infants of a similar age.

SETTING

North Thames Regional Cleft Centre. The noncleft cohort was recruited from West Middlesex University Hospital, a general hospital with similar demographics.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty newborn infants with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate or a cleft of the soft and at least two thirds of the hard palate who were referred to the North Thames Regional Cleft Centre participated. Parents of 20 randomly selected, noncleft infants agreed to participate.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Feeding patterns were rated using the Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale. Additional objective information was collected using the Great Ormond Street Measurement of Infant Feeding (Masarei et al., 2001; Masarei, 2003).

RESULTS

Infants with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate or a cleft of the soft and at least two thirds of the hard palate had less efficient sucking patterns than their noncleft peers had. They used shorter sucks (mean difference, 0.30 second; p < .0005), a faster rate of sucking (mean difference, 34.20 sucks/second; p < .0005), higher suck-swallow ratios (mean difference, 1.87 sucks/swallow; p < .0005), and a greater proportion of intraoral positive pressure generation (mean difference, 45.97% positive pressure; p < .0005).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the sucking patterns of infants with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate or a cleft of the soft and at least two thirds of the hard palate differ from those of their noncleft peers.

Feeding interventions for growth and development in infants with cleft lip, cleft palate or cleft lip and palate

BACKGROUND

Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth defects, affecting about one baby of every 700 born. Feeding these babies is an immediate concern and there is evidence of delay in growth of children with a cleft as compared to those without clefting. In an effort to combat reduced weight for height, a variety of advice and devices are recommended to aid feeding of babies with clefts.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to assess the effects of these feeding interventions in babies with cleft lip and/or palate on growth, development and parental satisfaction.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials register (June 2001), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to May 24th 2004), EMBASE (1980 to August 7th 2002), CINAHL (1982 to August 7th 2002), PsychINFO (1967 to August 13th 2002), AMED (1985 to August 13th 2002). Attempts were made to identify both unpublished and ongoing studies. There was no restriction with regard to language of publication.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies were included if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of feeding interventions for babies born with cleft lip, cleft palate or cleft lip and palate up to the age of 6 months (from term).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Studies were assessed for relevance independently and in duplicate. All studies meeting the inclusion criteria were data extracted and assessed for validity independently by each member of the review team. Authors were contacted for clarification or missing information whenever possible.

MAIN RESULTS

Four RCTs with a total of 232 babies, were included in the review. Comparisons made within the RCTs were squeezable versus rigid feeding bottles (two studies), breastfeeding versus spoon-feeding (one study) and maxillary plate versus no plate (one study). No statistically significant differences were shown for any of the primary outcomes when comparing bottle types, although squeezable bottles were less likely to require modification. No statistically significant difference was shown for infants fitted with a maxillary plate compared to no plate. A statistically significant difference in weight (kg) at 6 weeks post-surgery was shown in favour of breastfeeding when compared to spoon-feeding (mean difference 0.47; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.74).

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

Squeezable bottles appear easier to use than rigid feeding bottles for babies born with clefts of the lip and/or palate, however, there is no evidence of a difference in growth outcomes between the bottle types. There is weak evidence that babies should be breastfed rather than spoon-fed following surgery for cleft lip. No evidence was found to assess the use of any types of maternal advice and/or support for these babies.

Impact of cleft lip and/or palate on nutritional health and oral-motor development

Infants born with a cleft may require modifications in feeding practices prior to surgical closure of the defect; however, few changes in dietary recommendations are necessary. Often, the delivery method of breast milk or formula can be altered in order to require less effort by the infant and decrease caloric output, thereby increasing the calories ingested to facilitate weight gain and growth. This adaptation may not be necessary when the cleft does not include the palate but can be implemented fairly easily when the baby appears to have difficulty obtaining adequate nutritional intake. Before and after any surgical intervention, the goal remains to continue to supply the infant with sufficient caloric intake to heal and to continue to grow. Although some surgeons may demand modifications in how the baby is fed postoperatively, many advocate cautious reinstitution of normal feeding practices. Early referral for dental care should be encouraged in children born with clefts because these children (even the very young) demonstrate higher dental needs. Education provided to parents regarding causes of and methods to reduce dental disease could help decrease its incidence and help these children require less invasive and difficult rehabilitation therapy.

Dental care for the patient with a cleft lip and palate. Part 1: From birth to the mixed dentition stage

This is the first of two articles looking at dental care for the patient with a cleft lip and palate. Part 1 looks at the needs of the child with a cleft lip and palate from birth through to the mixed dentition stage.

Neonatal feeding of infants born with cleft lip and/or palate: parental perceptions of their experience in south Wales

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the responses of 100 parents of children born with cleft lip and/or palate in South East Wales to a postal questionnaire survey of their experiences of the services available to help with the feeding of their children in the immediate postnatal period.

RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS

Prior to birth, the majority of mothers intended to breast feed their child; after birth, the majority of infants were bottle fed. The majority of mothers felt that they had been a part of the decision to change methods. Advice on feeding was obtained from a variety of sources, both in hospital and on discharge. Mothers of cleft children who were first born in the family were less critical of the support offered in hospital than were mothers whose cleft child was a second or subsequent child. Isolated clefts of the palate were associated with a high proportion of feeding via nasogastric tube both on discharge from hospital and at home. The major criticism of the service offered to parents and their children was the poor quality of advice on feeding their children, both in hospital and on discharge. A variety of mechanisms for service improvement are suggested.