Assessment of Internal Nasal Dimensions of Individuals With Cleft Lip and Palate and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome by Computed Tomography

To evaluate nasal cavity (NC) dimensions of individuals with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and primary snoring, by tomographic image analysis, compared to individuals with OSA without CL/P (N-CL/P).

Cross-sectional and retrospective.

Tertiary referral center.

Patients were divided into 2 groups: (G1) CL/P + OSA or primary snoring, n = 11; (G2) N-CL/P + OSA, n = 13.

NC tomographic images were reconstructed using ITK-SNAP software, and measurements were obtained from these three-dimensional models using SpaceClaim software.

Total NC volumes, right and left NC volumes, and volumes of the nostril to the nasal valve (V1) and from the nasal valve to the superior limit of the nasopharynx (V2), cross-sectional areas, and perimeters.

NC volumes (total, right, and left sides), V1, and V2, though smaller in the CL/P + OSA, did not differ significantly from the N-CL/P + OSA. Cross-sectional areas and perimeters of the superior limit of the nasopharynx, in the CL/P + OSA, presented significantly higher values compared to the N-CL/P + OSA (P ≤ .05).

The internal nasal dimensions of patients with CL/P do not seem to be part of the etiopathogenesis, nor constitute a risk factor for OSA with greater severity, in this special group of patients.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Among Children and Adolescents with Cleft lip and Palate: A Survey Study in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) risk and related risk factors among children and adolescents of Hong Kong with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P).

DESIGN

Retrospective survey study adopting three questionnaires, obstructive sleep apnea-18 (OSA-18), pediatric sleep questionnaire-22 (PSQ-22), and modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).

SETTINGS

Multicenter study in two public hospitals.

PATIENTS

A total of 351 Chinese children and adolescents with non-syndromic CL/P (6-18-year-old, 57% males) visited between September 2017 and November 2019, with primary palatal repair surgery done before 3-year-old.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Positive OSAS risk was determined based on cut-off ≥60 for OSA-18, ≥8 for PSQ-22, and >8 for ESS. Age, sex, overweight presence, cleft type, embryonic secondary palate involvement, palatal repair surgery, palatal revision surgery, and orthodontic treatment were analyzed as possible risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 9.5% of patients had positive OSAS risk based on OSA-18, 13.6% based on PSQ-22, and 13.2% according to ESS. A higher prevalence of patients with positive OSAS risk was of younger age (OSA-18, p = .034), had cleft involving embryonic secondary palate (PSQ-22, p = .009), and history of fixed orthodontic treatment (ESS, p = .002). The regression model identified only involvement of embryonic secondary palate as a risk factor (PSQ-22, odds ratio = 3.7, p = .015).

CONCLUSIONS

OSAS risk among children and adolescents of Hong Kong with CL/P was 9.5% to 13.6%. Patients at higher risk were those with cleft involving embryonic secondary palate. OSAS risk assessment may be influenced by different aspects of the disease spectrum, and a multimodal approach should be considered for such assessment.

Respiratory sleep disorders, nasal obstruction and enuresis in children with non-syndromic Pierre Robin sequence

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnea is highly prevalent in non-syndromic Pierre Robin sequence patients. Studies have found a probable relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and nasal obstruction and between obstructive sleep apnea and enuresis. Assessment of the relationship between these variables in non-syndromic Pierre Robin sequence patients is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to evaluate the relationship between symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, nasal obstruction and enuresis, determining the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of these conditions, in schoolchildren with non-syndromic Pierre Robin sequence, and describe the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness habitual snoring and voiding dysfunction symptoms associated with enuresis.

METHODS

This was a prospective analytical cross-sectional study developed at a reference center. Anthropometric measurements and a structured clinical interview were carried out in a sample of 48 patients. The instruments "sleep disorders scale in children" "nasal congestion index questionnaire" (CQ-5), and the "voiding dysfunction symptom score questionnaire" were used. Statistical analysis was performed for p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Positive "sleep disorders scale in children" scores for obstructive sleep apnea and CQ-5 for nasal obstruction were observed in 38.78% and 16.33%, respectively. Enuresis was reported in 16.33% of children, being characterized as primary in 71.43% and polysymptomatic in 55.55%; according to the "voiding dysfunction symptom score questionnaire". There was a significant relationship between nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms (p < 0.05), but no significance was found between obstructive sleep apnea symptoms and enuresis, and between nasal obstruction and enuresis. The prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness was 12.24% and of habitual snoring, 48.98%. A family history of enuresis, younger age in years and a positive "voiding dysfunction symptom score questionnaire" score were associated with a higher prevalence of enuresis (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Children with non-syndromic Pierre Robin sequence are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea symptoms and habitual snoring, with a correlation being observed between nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. In addition, the study showed that non-syndromic Pierre Robin sequence, obstructive sleep apnea and nasal obstruction symptoms were not risk factors for enuresis in these patients.

Comparison of Positive Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With and Without Cleft Lip and Palate

OBJECTIVE

To compare the prevalence of increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children with and without cleft lip and/or palate using a previously validated questionnaire and to examine the clinical and demographic variables that may lead to increased OSA risk.

DESIGN

Prospective, cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred fifty-five cleft lip palate and 155 noncleft children between 2 and 18 years old.

INTERVENTIONS

The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ): Sleep Related Breathing Disorder Scale was used for screening of increased OSA risk. Age, body mass index (BMI), gender, breast-feeding, and bottle-feeding durations were recorded for all patients. Cleft type, lip and palate operation times, nasoalveolar molding, or nutrition plaque usage was documented for the cleft lip palate group. Pearson χ² or Fisher exact test was used for the evaluation of the qualitative variables and independent samples t test or Mann Whitney U test for quantitative variables. P < .05 was accepted as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The mean ages were 7.52 ± 3.91 and 7.50 ± 3.89 years for cleft lip palate and control groups, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the groups for age, gender, or BMI. Breast-feeding duration was significantly higher, and bottle-feeding duration was lower in the control group (P < .05). Mean PSQ score was significantly higher in cleft lip palate group (0.18 ± 0.12) than in control group (0.13 ± 0.1, P < .001); and prevalence of increased OSA risk was significantly higher in patients with both cleft lip and palate (P = .020).

CONCLUSIONS

Positive OSA screening ratio of children with cleft lip and palate (12.2%) was significantly higher than the controls (4.5%).

The Incidence of Sleep Disordered Breathing One Week After Primary Palatoplasty: Evaluation With Overnight Pulse Oximetry

BACKGROUND

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is defined as a series of disorders including snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypopnea. Few studies investigated the incidence of SDB following primary palatoplasty with objective testing. The aims of this study were to elucidate the prevalence and degree of SDB approximately 1 week following primary palatoplasty with objective testing and to clarify the risk factors.

METHOD

A retrospective review was performed on children who underwent primary palatoplasty between April 2013 and July 2017 at National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan. As a national center, the authors accept many syndromic patients. The authors keep all patients after palatoplasty intubated and observe them overnight in intensive care unit to reduce the risks of respiratory events. Patients were evaluated with overnight pulse oximetry on 5 to 7 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were included, and 30% of the patients were associated with congenital anomaly. Thirteen patients (30%) were diagnosed with SDB. None of the patients required additional treatment after the evaluation. Laryngomalacia and postoperative oxygen requirement significantly correlated with postoperative SDB.

CONCLUSION

Approximately one-third of the patients may be at the risk of SDB 1 week after primary palatoplasty. Patients with history of laryngomalacia or those who required oxygen support for prolonged time after primary palatoplasty should be cared for significantly high risk of postoperative SDB.

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Nasal Obstruction, and Enuresis in Children With Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate: A Prevalence Study

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), nasal obstruction, and enuresis in children with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Referral care center.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred seventy-four children aged 6 to 12 years of both genders.

INTERVENTIONS

Symptoms of OSA and nasal obstruction were investigated by analysis of scores obtained by the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and Congestion Quantifier (CQ-5). Enuresis was considered as present when urinary loss was reported during sleep (at least 1 episode/month, last 3 months). To characterize the enuresis as mono- or polysymptomatic, symptoms of dysfunction of the lower urinary tract (DLUT) were investigated by the Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVSS). Statistical analysis was performed at a 5% level of significance.

RESULTS

Positive SDSC scores for OSA were observed in 60 (34%) children; positive CQ-5 scores for nasal obstruction in 45 (26%), positive DVSS scores for DLUT in 30 (17%), and enuresis was reported by 29 (17%), being categorized as primary in 66% and polysymptomatic in 72% of the children. Compared to the pediatric population, OSA, nasal obstruction, and enuresis prevalence ratios were up to 7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5-9), 2 (95% CI 2-3), and 3 times (95% CI 2-5) higher, respectively. There was a positive/moderate correlation between symptoms of OSA and nasal obstruction ( P = .0001). No correlation was seen between symptoms of OSA and enuresis.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate have high prevalence of nasal obstruction and enuresis and are at risk of OSA.

Parental Experience of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Infants With Cleft Palate: Comparing Parental and Clinical Priorities

OBJECTIVE

To identify outcomes relating to sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) that are relevant to parents, during the early weeks of caring for infants with cleft palate (CP), and compare these with clinical outcomes identified in a systematic search of research literature.

DESIGN

A qualitative study using telephone/face-to-face interviews with parents explored their understanding of breathing and respiratory effort in infants with CP.

SETTING

Care provided by 3 specialist cleft centers in the United Kingdom, with study conducted in parents' homes.

PARTICIPANTS

Criteria for participation were parents of infants with isolated CP aged 12 to 16 weeks. Thirty-one parents of infants with CP (over 12 weeks) were invited to participate in the interview. Interviews were completed with 27 parents; 4 parents could not be contacted after completing the sleep monitoring.

RESULTS

Parents' description of infants' sleep suggests that breathing is not considered as a separate priority from their principal concerns of feeding and sleeping. They observe indicators of infants' breathing, but these are not perceived as signs of SDB. Parents' decision to use lateral or supine sleep positioning reflects their response to advice from specialists, observation of their infants' comfort, ease of breathing, and personal experience. Outcomes, identified in published research of SDB, coincide with parents' concerns but are expressed in medical language and fit into distinct domains of "snoring," "sleep," "gas exchange," and "apnea."

CONCLUSIONS

Parents' description of sleeping and respiration in infants with CP reflect their everyday experience, offering insight into their understanding, priorities, and language used to describe respiration. Understanding parents' individual priorities and how these are expressed could be fundamental to selecting meaningful outcomes for future studies of airway interventions.

Occlusal, chewing, and tasting characteristics associated with orofacial dysfunctions in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to assess the associations between orofacial dysfunctions with malocclusion, masticatory performance, and taste in children with and without unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A patient-based, matched, case-control study was conducted involving 108 8- to 10-year-old children divided in UCLP and control groups. Orofacial dysfunctions were evaluated using the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S). Orthodontic treatment need was evaluated using the Goslon Yardstick Index (GYI) and the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) of patients and controls, respectively. Masticatory performance was assessed using a chewable test material to determine median particle size (X ₅₀) and distribution of particles in different sieves (b value). Taste perception was evaluated using four solutions (sweet, salty, bitter, or acid) in three different concentrations.

RESULTS

More than half of the patients needed orthodontic surgery. UCLP group presented higher median particle size and needed more chewing cycles to comminute the artificial test into particles smaller than the median than those of controls. UCLP group had less perception of salty flavor than controls. There was a positive correlation between b value and NOT-S examination score for patients. In regression analysis, a significant interrelationship was observed between NOT-S examination score and b value.

CONCLUSIONS

In the UCLP patients, masticatory performance was compromised probably as a result of facial asymmetry and speech disturbance; whereas, taste was less perceived only for salty flavor.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These findings provide preliminary evidence that mastication and taste are altered in children with UCLP, so these factors must be followed up to ensure oral and general health in growing individuals.

Velopharyngeal Dysfunction and Sleep Apnea-A Survey to Ascertain Surgical Practice Patterns

OBJECTIVE

To determine if all cleft surgeons uniformly and adequately evaluate patients with cleft for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and consider OSA in treatment of velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD).

DESIGN

A 22-question survey was administered via e-mail to 1117 surgeons who were members of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. Logistic regression was used to determine if management was affected by years in practice, clinical volume, field of training, and region of practice.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We sought to determine if years in practice, clinical volume, region of practice, and surgical specialty affected surgeons' evaluation of OSA and their approaches to VPD.

RESULTS

A total of 231 surgeons responded (21% response rate), and 67% stated that they had trained in plastic surgery. With increasing years of practice, surgeons were less likely to refer patients for preoperative and postoperative sleep studies (P = .00 and P = .001, respectively), screen patients for sleep apnea (P = .008), or change their management based on a sleep study (P = .001). There were no significant differences in screening or testing for OSA based upon clinical volume. Among those surveyed, otolaryngologists were more likely to refer patients for postoperative sleep studies (P = .028). Surgeons in the Southeast were more likely to change their management based upon a sleep study (P = .038).

CONCLUSIONS

Statistically significant trends in screening and testing for OSA in the setting of VPD were identified by this survey. Notably, older surgeons were less likely to investigate OSA in their patients, and not all specialties equally refer for postoperative sleep studies.