"I can't provide what my child needs": Early feeding experiences of caregivers of children with craniofacial microsomia

PURPOSE

Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is a congenital condition that can be associated with feeding challenges in infants. As part of the larger 'Craniofacial microsomia: Accelerating Research and Education (CARE)' program, this study described caregivers' early feeding experiences.

DESIGN AND MATERIALS

US-based caregivers of 34 children with CFM participated in remote narrative interviews. Two authors completed inductive thematic analysis in an iterative process until consensus was reached.

RESULTS

Caregivers' narratives outlined the inherent challenges of feeding an infant with special healthcare needs. The first theme 'Navigating Challenges and Managing Expectations' describes the distress participants experienced when they were unable to breastfeed and the negative emotional effect of switching to formula. The second theme 'Making Adaptations' outlines the methods participants tried, including breast pumps and feeding tubes. The third theme 'Accessing Support' describes participants' interactions with healthcare providers and challenges accessing feeding support. The final theme 'Growing from Adversity' recounts participants' relief once their child established a feeding pattern and the personal growth gained from their experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

Caregivers reported several feeding related challenges associated with CFM, many of which negatively affected their wellbeing. Negative consequences were particularly pronounced in cases where caregivers' feeding experiences differed from their expectations. Participants identified challenges in accessing reliable feeding information and support. Despite difficult experiences, caregivers cited some positive outcomes, including increased confidence and resilience.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Holistic feeding information and support for families affected by CFM should be inclusive of several feeding methods to improve care delivery, child health, and the caregiver experience.

Dental anomalies in craniofacial microsomia and condylo-mandibular dysplasia: A retrospective study of 103 patients

INTRODUCTION

Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) and camel-hump condylo-mandibular dysplasia (CMD) are developmental disorders affecting the mandible that share common clinical features. This study aimed to investigate and compare the dental anomalies (DA) between the two entities for differential diagnosis and to propose appropriate treatment.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study was based on panoramic radiographs of patients diagnosed with CFM or CMD. DA were evaluated using the classification reported by Bilge. Delayed tooth eruption on the affected side was noted based on a comparison with the contralateral side. Nolla's stages of tooth calcification were used to assess dental development.

RESULTS

A total of 103 patients were included, 80 subjects (77.7 %) in CFM group and 23 patients (22.3 %) in CMD group. The prevalence of DA among CFM and CMD-affected patients were 80.0 % and 95.7 %, respectively. Tooth ectopia, tooth impaction, dental development delay, and delayed tooth eruption on the affected side exhibited a significant association with the two craniofacial malformations. The overall affected teeth (molars, premolars, canines) differed between the two craniofacial malformations. Dental abnormalities such as oligodontia, hyperdontia, dentin dysplasia, and anomalies of shape were seen only in subjects affected by CFM.

CONCLUSION

DA were widely observed in patients with CFM and CMD. The global distribution of affected teeth differed between the two conditions and some DA were detected only in CFM patients. When clinical diagnosis remains uncertain, some specific radiological characteristics of DA can be used to differentiate CFM from CMD.

3D-CT measurements of facial symmetry in severe CFM patients: A comparative study between mandibular ascending ramus distraction osteogenesis and bone grafting

This study aims to compare the effects of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) and bone grafting on the facial symmetry of children with Pruzansky-Kaban type IIB and III craniofacial microsomia (CFM). Medical records and three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) data of CFM patients who had primarily undergone MDO and bone grafting were collected. A retrospective analysis of pre-and post-operative 3D imaging data was conducted to compare the improvement rate in facial symmetry between the two groups based on occlusal cant, affected/unaffected ramus height ratio and chin point deviation. The data were tested for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test. When the data followed a normal distribution, a paired sample t-test was employed for the comparison between preoperative and postoperative data. When the data did not follow a normal distribution, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples was used for preoperative and postoperative comparison. The study included 18 children with type IIB and III CFM, 11 in the MDO group and 7 in the bone grafting group. In the MDO group, postoperative Gn-FH and Gn-Cor distances increased significantly, whereas the postoperative Gn-Mid distance decreased significantly. Occlusal cant decreased significantly and ramus height affected/unaffected ratio increased significantly after MDO. In the bone graft group, there was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative ratios of chin deviation, occlusal cant, and ramus height affected/unaffected compared to the preoperative values. Compared to bone grafting, MDO can significantly enhance ramus height ratio, level occlusal plane, and centralize the chin point among patients with CFM. Furthermore, MDO achieves superior enhancements in facial symmetry.

Velopharyngeal insufficiency, speech, and language impairment in craniofacial microsomia: a scoping review

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on velopharyngeal insufficiency, associated anomalies, and speech/language impairment in patients with craniofacial microsomia (CFM). A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify records on VPI and speech impairment in CFM from their inception until September 2022 within the databases Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid, CINAHL EBSCO, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Seventeen articles were included, analysing 1,253 patients. Velopharyngeal insufficiency results in hypernasality can lead to speech impairment. The reported prevalence of both velopharyngeal insufficiency and hypernasality ranged between 12.5% and 55%, while the reported prevalence of speech impairment in patients with CFM varied between 35.4% and 74%. Language problems were reported in 37% to 50% of patients. Speech therapy was documented in 45.5% to 59.6% of patients, while surgical treatment for velopharyngeal insufficiency consisted of pharyngeal flap surgery or pharyngoplasty and was reported in 31.6% to 100%. Cleft lip and/or palate was reported in 10% to 100% of patients with CFM; these patients were found to have worse speech results than those without cleft lip and/or palate. No consensus was found on patient characteristics associated with an increased risk of velopharyngeal insufficiency and speech/language impairment. Although velopharyngeal insufficiency is a less commonly reported characteristic of CFM than other malformations, it can cause speech impairment, which may contribute to delayed language development in patients with CFM. Therefore, timely recognition and treatment of speech impairment is essential.

Conductive Hearing Loss in Children

A variety of congenital and acquired disorders result in pediatric conductive hearing loss. Malformations of the external auditory canal are invariably associated with malformations of the middle ear space and ossicles. Isolated ossicular malformations are uncommon. Syndromes associated with external and middle ear malformations are frequently associated with abnormal development of first and second pharyngeal arch derivatives. Chronic inflammatory disorders include cholesteatoma, cholesterol granuloma, and tympanosclerosis.

Condylar resorption post mandibular distraction osteogenesis in craniofacial microsomia: A retrospective study

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of condylar resorption in craniofacial microsomia (CFM) patients following mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO). Patients with unilateral type-IIa and type-IIb CFM, who had completed MDO and mandibular distractor extraction (MDE), were recruited. The height and volume of the condyle were measured on three-dimension models created by the analysis of computed tomography (CT) data. Normality analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Data for the affected and unaffected sides were compared using the paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Data for both type-IIa and type-IIb CFM were compared using the independent-samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. The Pearson or Spearman correlation was used to determine the correlations of condylar resorption rate with related measurements. In total, 48 type-IIa and 48 type-IIb CFM patients were included. The condylar resorption rate in type-IIa CFM (0.35 ± 0.32) was significantly associated with the height of the condyle (r = 0.776, p < 0.001) and distraction distance (r = 0.447, p = 0.001), while the condylar resorption rate in type-IIb CFM (0.49 ± 0.46) was significantly associated with the height of the condyle (r = 0.924, p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in condylar resorption rate between type-IIa and type-IIb CFM (p = 0.075). In addition to occlusal changes, no other negative symptoms of the TMJ were observed with condylar resorption. Condylar resorption was evident in CFM patients following mandibular distraction osteogenesis, and the condylar resorption rate showed a relationship with distraction distance and condylar height.

Respiratory outcome of mandibular distraction osteogenesis on obstructive sleep apnea in craniofacial microsomia: A retrospective study

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) on respiratory function in CFM patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) according to polysomnography (PSG). This study retrospectively analyzed patients with CFM who underwent PSG before surgery and after completion of mandible distraction. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected. The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) was used to assess patients' signs and symptoms related to OSA. The obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) and lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO₂) were imported into SPSS version 26.0. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the differences in PSG before and after MDO. Other data were described using descriptive statistics. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 25 unilateral CFM patients were included in this study. Most patients (72%) had mild OSA; moderate and severe OSA were 12% and 16%, respectively. Snoring (52%) was the most common symptom among these patients. After completion of mandibular distraction, snoring and other OSA-related symptoms were significantly improved. Twelve patients had normalized PSG and the severity of OSA improved significantly in 3 patients. The total effective rate of MDO for OSA was 60%. The statistical results showed that OAHI (P = 0.045) decreased and LSaO₂ (P = 0.009) increased significantly compared to preoperative values. MDO can improve OSA-related symptoms in CFM patients. In addition, respiratory function was improved in most patients after MDO, based on PSG. CFM patients, especially those with OSA, can benefit from MDO.

Damaging variants in FOXI3 cause microtia and craniofacial microsomia

PURPOSE

Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) represents a spectrum of craniofacial malformations, ranging from isolated microtia with or without aural atresia to underdevelopment of the mandible, maxilla, orbit, facial soft tissue, and/or facial nerve. The genetic causes of CFM remain largely unknown.

METHODS

We performed genome sequencing and linkage analysis in patients and families with microtia and CFM of unknown genetic etiology. The functional consequences of damaging missense variants were evaluated through expression of wild-type and mutant proteins in vitro.

RESULTS

We studied a 5-generation kindred with microtia, identifying a missense variant in FOXI3 (p.Arg236Trp) as the cause of disease (logarithm of the odds = 3.33). We subsequently identified 6 individuals from 3 additional kindreds with microtia-CFM spectrum phenotypes harboring damaging variants in FOXI3, a regulator of ectodermal and neural crest development. Missense variants in the nuclear localization sequence were identified in cases with isolated microtia with aural atresia and found to affect subcellular localization of FOXI3. Loss of function variants were found in patients with microtia and mandibular hypoplasia (CFM), suggesting dosage sensitivity of FOXI3.

CONCLUSION

Damaging variants in FOXI3 are the second most frequent genetic cause of CFM, causing 1% of all cases, including 13% of familial cases in our cohort.

The effect of natural growth on chin point deviation in patients with unilateral craniofacial microsomia: A retrospective study

This study aimed to investigate the potential progressiveness of mandibular asymmetry and to study factors that influence chin point deviation in patients with unilateral craniofacial microsomia (CFM). Paediatric patients with unilateral CFM with available radiologic imaging and medical photographs were included. Chin point deviation was measured on clinical photographs. A Jonckheere-Terpstra test and linear mixed model for repeated measurements assessed the relation of chin point deviation on natural growth, Pruzansky-Kaban score, and soft tissue score. A total of 110 patients were included. The linear mixed model showed no statistically significant changes of chin point deviation during growth (effect estimate -0.006°, 95% CI -0.04° to -0.03°, p = 0.74). A statistical significant relation between both the Pruzansky-Kaban and soft tissue score on chin point deviation was found (effect estimate -5.10°, 95% CI -6.45° to -3.75°, p ≤ 0.001 and effect estimate -3.42°, CI -5.86° to -0.98°, p ≤ 0.001, respectively). Within the limitations of the study it seems that craniofacial microsomia may be a non-progressive disorder, because chin point deviation did not change over time.

A decade of clinical research on clinical characteristics, medical treatments, and surgical treatments for individuals with craniofacial microsomia: What have we learned?

AIM

This article provides a review of a decade of clinical research studies on clinical features, medical interventions, and surgical interventions for individuals with craniofacial microsomia (CFM). We also provide recommendations for future clinical research.

METHOD

A systematic search of literature was conducted in Embase and PubMed/MEDLINE Ovid. All publications from 2010 to 2020 that included at least 10 individuals with CFM were considered relevant for this study.

RESULTS

A total of 91 articles were included. In the past decade, many new studies on CFM have been published providing more insight on the diagnosis and management of patients with CFM. This review encompasses findings on the clinical difficulties patients with CFM encounter, including the craniofacial and extracraniofacial characteristics of patients with CFM and its related clinical consequences on breathing, feeding, speech, and hearing.

CONCLUSIONS

A considerable number of large multicenter studies have been published in recent years, providing new insights in the clinical consequences of CFM. The phenotypic variety between patients with CFM makes patient-specific treatment tailored to individual needs essential. The research and development of clinical care standards might be challenging because of the heterogeneity of CFM. Future research on clinical and patient-reported outcomes can help identify optimal treatment strategies. Cooperation between craniofacial centers, using uniform registration and outcome measurement tools, could enhance research and future care for these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Is the pattern of mandibular asymmetry in mild craniofacial microsomia comparable to non-syndromic class II asymmetry?

Objectives

To compare the characteristics of mandibular asymmetry in patients with unilateral craniofacial microsomia (CFM) and class II asymmetry.

Materials and methods

Pretreatment cone-beam computed tomography of consecutive adults with Pruzansky-Kaban type I and IIA CFM (CFM group) was analyzed by 3D cephalometry. Fourteen mandibular landmarks and two dental landmarks were identified. The mandibular size and positional asymmetry were calculated by using landmark-based linear and volumetric measurements, in terms of asymmetry ratios (affected/non-affected side) and absolute differences (affected − non-affected side). Results were compared with non-syndromic class II with matched severity of chin deviation (Class II group). Statistical analyses included independent t test, paired t test, chi-square test, and ANOVA.

Results

CFM group (n, 21; mean age, 20.4 ± 2.5 years) showed significantly larger size asymmetry in regions of mandibular body, ramus, and condyle compared to Class II group (n, 21; mean age, 27.8 ± 5.9 years) (p < 0.05). The curvature of mandibular body was asymmetric in CFM. Regarding the positional asymmetry of mandibular body, while a comparable transverse shift and a negligible yaw rotation were found among the two groups, the roll rotation in CFM was significantly greater as well as the occlusal (6.06° vs. 4.17°) and mandibular (7.84° vs. 2.80°) plane cants (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Mild CFM showed significantly more severe size asymmetry and roll rotation in mandible than non-CFM class II asymmetry.

Clinical relevance

To improve the mandibular size and positional asymmetry in CFM, adjunct hard tissue augmentation or reduction in addition to OGS orthodontics with a meticulous roll and yaw planning is compulsory, which is expected to be distinct from treating non-CFM class II asymmetry.

Modern Mandibular Distraction Applications in Hemifacial Microsomia

Phenotypic severity dictates the timing and type of surgical intervention required. Mandibular distraction in children without respiratory and feeding difficulties remains controversial with regard to long-term mandibular growth outcomes and reducing surgical burden. Early mandibular distraction does not obviate secondary orthognathic surgery at skeletal maturity; it provides improved functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial outcomes, at least in the short term. Costochondral rib grafting for Pruzansky type IIB and III mandibles can produce reliable results, especially when combined with subsequent mandibular distraction. Secondary 2-jaw orthognathic surgery plus genioplasty at skeletal maturity benefits from improved bone volume from prior mandibular distraction.

Counterclockwise Craniofacial Distraction Osteogenesis

Anatomic studies have identified that patients with Treacher Collins syndrome and some cases of bilateral craniofacial microsomia are characterized by multilevel airway obstruction as a result of hypoplasia and clockwise rotation of the maxillomandibular complex. Patients often remain tracheostomy-dependent despite multiple airway surgeries. Counterclockwise craniofacial distraction osteogenesis aims to correct the facial skeletal deformity and expand the upper airway volume by rotating the subcranial complex en bloc around the nasofrontal junction. Early results have demonstrated significant increases in the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airway volumes with successful decannulation in a majority of patients who have undergone this operation.

The influences of distraction osteogenesis therapy on airway morphology in patients with craniofacial microsomia

The aim of this study was to explore how mandibular distraction osteogenesis influences morphological changes in the oropharynx and laryngopharynx. This was a retrospective study of airway parameter measurements in CFM patients undergoing mandibular distraction osteogenesis treatment. The indication for surgical treatment was the obvious facial asymmetry. Mimics 17.0 (Materialise Inc., Belgium) was used to build 3D models of the oro- and laryngopharynx. The minimum cross-sectional area (CSA), mean CSA, volume, length, and surface area were measured in the 3D models. All data were entered into SPSS v. 23.0 (SPSS Inc. USA), with statistical differences assessed pre- and postoperatively using the Wilcoxon test. Thirty-two patients diagnosed with CFM were included in this study. Five were classified as type IIa, 21 as type IIb, and six as type III, using the Pruzansky-Kaban classification. The average age of the patients was 8.34 years; 14 were females and 18 were males. The average traction time was 35.59 days and the average length of traction was 35.81 mm. The total volume of the airway was significantly increased after MDO (p = 0.001). In the oropharynx and laryngopharynx segments, the mean CSA, minimum CSA, and surface area were statistically significantly different. According to the results, expansion of oropharynx and laryngopharynx were evident after MDO. Mandibular distraction osteogenensis (MDO) can expand the volume of the oropharynx and laryngopharynx. Therefore, MDO can be considered a clinically useful treatment for changing the structure of the oropharynx and laryngopharynx.

Hearing-related quality of life, developmental outcomes and performance in children and young adults with unilateral conductive hearing loss due to aural atresia

BACKGROUND

While research has shown that children with single sided deafness have a lower quality of life and developmental outcomes compared to normal hearing peers, little is known about these domains in children with unilateral congenital conductive hearing loss due to aural atresia.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the hearing-related quality of life, developmental outcomes and educational performance in children and young adults with unilateral conductive hearing loss due to aural atresia.

METHODS

Nineteen children and young adults with unilateral aural atresia received a set of five questionnaires. Hearing-related quality of life (SSQ), general quality of life (Kidscreen-27), speech and language development (CCC-2-Nl), educational performance and problems in social-emotional and behavioral domains (CBCL/YSR/ASR) were measured with validated questionnaires. Scores on the questionnaires were compared to their norm scores. Mann-Whitney U tests and independent t-tests were used to identify significant differences between age groups.

RESULTS

Mean scores on the SSQ subscales were speech 6.78, spatial 5.00 and quality 6.98. Mean scores on the Kidscreen-27, CCC-2-NL, CBCL/YSR/ASR fell within normal or non-clinical range. A high number of cases needed speech therapy (60.7%) or special measures in class (79.3%) or showed grade repetition (>30%) in primary or secondary school.

CONCLUSION

Children and young adults with unilateral conductive hearing loss due to congenital aural atresia showed lower scores regarding hearing-related quality of life compared to normal-hearing peers. The result show similarities with children with single sided deafness. Regarding general quality of life, speech and language development and in social-emotional and behavioral domains the studied children and young adults seem to develop according to norm scores. It is important to observe these children closely as they may need guidance during education to allow them to thrive.

Microtia and craniofacial microsomia: Content analysis of facebook groups

OBJECTIVE

An increasing number of patients use social media for health-related information and social support. This study's objective was to describe the content posted on Facebook groups for individuals with microtia and/or craniofacial microsomia (CFM) and their families in order for providers to gain insight into patient and family needs and experiences to inform clinical care.

METHODS

Two months of posts, images, comments, and "like" responses from two Facebook groups in the US and the UK were recorded and analyzed using content analysis. A secondary analysis identified statements of emotion.

RESULTS

Posts (N = 254) had a total of 7912 "like" responses, 2245 comments, and 153 images. There were three categories of posts: seeking guidance (43%; 9 themes), promoting events/news (33%; 5 themes), and sharing experiences (24%; 3 themes). Across categories, 16% of posts had emotional content. Most comments were responding to posts seeking guidance, including medical care (20%), surgical care (9%), and hearing aids (5%). Promotional posts often aimed to increase CFM awareness. Posts sharing experiences were generally positive, with the highest number of "likes".

CONCLUSIONS

Facebook groups members frequently exchanged health-related information, suggesting value placed on input from other families and the convenience of seeking information online. Posts also promoted awareness and shared experiences. Clinical care implications include the need for easily accessible accurate and tailored CFM-related health education. Additionally, providers should demonstrate awareness of health information on social media and may address the potential emotional impact of CFM by facilitating access to resources for social support.

Three-dimensional characterization of mandibular asymmetry in craniofacial microsomia

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) mandibular asymmetry in craniofacial microsomia (CFM) and its association with the Pruzansky–Kaban classification system.

Materials and methods

Cone-beam computed tomography images of 48 adult CFM cases were collected. The asymmetry of the mandibular body and ramus was analyzed with 3D landmarks. The mirrored mandibular model was registered on the original model, yielding a color-coded distance map and an average distance (i.e., asymmetry score) to quantify the overall mandibular asymmetry.

Results

The lengths of the mandibular body and ramus were significantly shorter on the affected than the contralateral side (p < 0.001). The ANB (p = 0.009), body and ramal lengths (both p < 0.001), and body and ramal length asymmetry (both p < 0.05) were significantly different between mild (types I/IIA) and severe (types IIB/III) cases. The mandibular asymmetry score correlated with mandibular body length asymmetry (r = 0.296, p = 0.046). CFM mandibles showed high variability in shape asymmetry.

Conclusions

CFM patients showed distinct body and ramal length asymmetries. In severe cases, mandibles were smaller, more retruded, and more asymmetric in length. The mandibular shape asymmetry was highly variable regardless of the Pruzansky–Kaban types, being a determinant in the extent of overall mandibular asymmetry.

Clinical relevance

The 3D morphologic analysis provides better insights into real mandibular asymmetry. Although the Pruzansky–Kaban classification was applied, high individual variability of the mandibular morphology still existed within the types. Therefore, individualized analyses and treatment plans for CFM patients are highly recommended.

Craniofacial Microsomia

Clinicians use different diagnostic terms for patients with underdevelopment of facial features arising from the embryonic first and second pharyngeal arches, including first and second branchial arch syndrome, otomandibular dysostosis, oculoauriculovertebral syndrome, and hemifacial microsomia. Craniofacial microsomia has become the preferred term. Although no diagnostic criteria for craniofacial microsomia exist, most patients have a degree of underdevelopment of the mandible, maxilla, ear, orbit, facial soft tissue, and/or facial nerve. These anomalies can affect feeding, compromise the airway, alter facial movement, disrupt hearing, and alter facial appearance.

Computer guided temporomandibular joint reconstruction of Kaban III hemifacial microsomia with anotia: A case report

INTRODUCTION, Hemifacial microsomia is the second most common craniofacial congenital anomaly. It corresponds to a group of malformations ranging from minimal facial asymmetry to sever form affecting mandible, soft tissues, orbit, ear, and cranial nerves. PRESENTATION OF CASE, We present a case of 6 years old patient with Kaban class III hemifacial microsomia with anotia. Temporomandibular joint was reconstructed by costochondral graft using computer guided surgery (simulation and rapid prototyping). A computer guided soft tissue guide, mandibular, and maxillomandibular/zygomatic models were constructed using rapid prototyping technology. The customized computer guided soft tissue guide was used to localize the proper position of skin incision, the mandibular model was used for preoperative reconstruction plate bending, and the maxillomandibular/zygomatic model was used to estimate the rib graft length and position. Postoperative assessment showed proper positioning of the graft, with no complications or facial nerve affection. DISCUSSION, In this report, we introduce a new computer guided technique to estimate and identify the proper position of the temporomandibular joint graft based on patient CT. This technique eliminated the need of extended incisions with excessive dissection and provided a more accessible field for rib graft fixation, facilitating the surgical procedures. CONCLUSION, The use of computer guided surgery (simulation and rapid prototyping) for temporomandibular joint reconstruction in Kaban III hemifacial microsomia with anotia facilitates the surgical procedure, minimizes procedure time, increases precision, and reduces possible complications.

Healthcare and psychosocial experiences of individuals with craniofacial microsomia: Patient and caregivers perspectives

OBJECTIVE

Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is primarily characterized by underdevelopment of the ear and mandible, with several additional possible congenital anomalies. Despite the potential burden of care and impact of CFM on multiple domains of functioning, few studies have investigated patient and caregiver perspectives. The objective of this study was to explore the diagnostic, treatment-related, and early psychosocial experiences of families with CFM with the aim of optimizing future healthcare delivery.

METHODS

Forty-two caregivers and nine adults with CFM responded to an online mixed-methods survey. Descriptive statistics and qualitative methods were used for the analysis.

RESULTS

Survey respondents reported high rates of subspecialty evaluations, surgeries, and participation in therapies. Some participants reported receiving inaccurate or incomplete information about CFM and experienced confusion about etiology. Communication about CFM among family members included mostly positive messages. Self-awareness of facial differences began at a mean age of three years and teasing at mean age six, with 43% of individuals four years or older reporting teasing. Teasing often involved name-calling and frequent reactions were ignoring and negative emotional responses. Participants ranked "understanding diagnosis and treatment" as a top priority for future research and had the most questions about etiology and treatment guidance.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey results on the healthcare and psychosocial experiences from birth through adulthood of individuals with CFM reinforce the need for ongoing psychological assessment and intervention. Healthcare provision could be improved through establishing diagnostic criteria and standardized treatment guidelines, as well as continued investigation of CFM etiology.

Evaluation of Swallow Function in Patients with Craniofacial Microsomia: A Retrospective Study

Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is characterized by underdevelopment of the structures derived from the first and second pharyngeal arches resulting in aesthetic, psychological, and functional problems including feeding and swallowing difficulties. The aim of this study is to gain more insight into swallowing difficulties in patients with CFM. A retrospective study was conducted in the population of patients diagnosed with CFM at three major craniofacial units. Patients with feeding difficulties and those who underwent video fluoroscopic swallow (VFS) studies were included for further analyses. The outcome of the VFS-studies was reviewed with regard to the four phases of swallowing. In our cohort, 13.5% of the 755 patients were diagnosed with swallowing difficulties. The outcome of the VFS-studies of 42 patients showed difficulties in the oral and pharyngeal phases with both thin and thick liquids. Patients with more severe mandibular hypoplasia showed more difficulties to form an appropriate bolus compared to patients who were less severely affected. This is the first study to document swallowing problems in patients with CFM. Difficulties were seen in both the oral and pharyngeal phases. We recommend routine screening for swallowing issues by a speech and language therapist in all patients with CFM and to obtain a VFS-study in patients with a type III mandible.

Phenotypic characterization of epibulbar dermoids

The purpose of this study was to characterize the phenotypic presentation, clinical course, and outcomes of epibulbar dermoids (EpDs) which are the most common congenital eye tumor in children. Sixty-eight dermoids were identified in 58 eyes of 48 patients of Seattle Children's Hospital between 1981 and 2014 via electronic medical record search. Patients were organized into: "EpD-Only" [patients without other congenital anomalies (n = 13)], "EpD-CFM" [patients with a craniofacial microsomia (CFM) diagnosis (n = 25)], and "EpD-Other" [patients with other congenital anomalies (n = 10)]. All EpD in the EpD-Only group were unilateral and singular, while the EpD-CFM group had six cases with multiple unilateral EpD and five cases with bilateral EpD. In the EpD-Only group, 69 % of EpD were left sided, whereas in the EpD-CFM group, there was no side predisposition. Among both groups, the majority of EpD were limbal or lipodermoids in the inferotemporal quadrant of the eye. Surgery was more common and at a younger age in the EpD-CFM group than the EpD-Only group (56 vs. 38 %, 5.2 vs. 7.0 years). Follow-up surgeries occurred only in the EpD-CFM group (21 %). EpDs were most commonly associated with preauricular tags, congenital heart defects, genitourinary, and nervous system anomalies. Whereas the location and type of EpDs did not significantly differ between the groups, the phenotype in the EpD-Only group appears to be less complex. This may indicate an important difference between EpDs in isolation and those within CFM. Additional studies will further characterize these phenotypes and outcomes.

Reliable classification of facial phenotypic variation in craniofacial microsomia: a comparison of physical exam and photographs

Background

Craniofacial microsomia is a common congenital condition for which children receive longitudinal, multidisciplinary team care. However, little is known about the etiology of craniofacial microsomia and few outcome studies have been published. In order to facilitate large, multicenter studies in craniofacial microsomia, we assessed the reliability of phenotypic classification based on photographs by comparison with direct physical examination.

Methods

Thirty-nine children with craniofacial microsomia underwent a physical examination and photographs according to a standardized protocol. Three clinicians completed ratings during the physical examination and, at least a month later, using respective photographs for each participant. We used descriptive statistics for participant characteristics and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) to assess reliability.

Results

The agreement between ratings on photographs and physical exam was greater than 80 % for all 15 categories included in the analysis. The ICC estimates were higher than 0.6 for most features. Features with the highest ICC included: presence of epibulbar dermoids, ear abnormalities, and colobomas (ICC 0.85, 0.81, and 0.80, respectively). Orbital size, presence of pits, tongue abnormalities, and strabismus had the lowest ICC, values (0.17 or less). There was not a strong tendency for either type of rating, physical exam or photograph, to be more likely to designate a feature as abnormal. The agreement between photographs and physical exam regarding the presence of a prior surgery was greater than 90 % for most features.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that categorization of facial phenotype in children with CFM based on photographs is reliable relative to physical examination for most facial features.

Anatomical study of the course of the inferior alveolar nerve in craniofacial microsomia using three-dimensional computed tomography: correlation with the Pruzansky classification

Dysmorphogenesis of the mandible complicates assessment of the course of the inferior alveolar nerve in patients with craniofacial microsomia. Our aim in the present study was to correlate the anatomical description of the course with the Pruzansky classification (which indicates the severity of hemifacial microsomia), in the mandibles of 22 affected patients using 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT). We measured the distance between fixed landmarks on the normal and the microsomic sides. The normal sides served as controls. In the group of five patients with type I disease, we found no significant differences between the unaffected and the microsomic side. In the nine patients with Pruzansky type II disease morphological views of the course showed a between-side difference in the length of the bony canal and the height of the mandibular ramus. In the five patients with Pruzansky type III disease, there was no bony canal. Three-dimensional CT analysis may be of value in plotting the course of the inferior alveolar nerve and assisting the surgeon in mandibular osteotomy or distraction osteogenesis.

The genetics of auricular development and malformation: new findings in model systems driving future directions for microtia research

Microtia is a term used to describe a wide array of phenotypic presentations of the outer ear. Although the majority of the cases are isolated in nature, much of our understanding of the causes of microtia has been driven by the identification of genes underlying syndromic forms where the anomaly co-presents with various other craniofacial and extra-craniofacial structural defects. In this review we discuss recent findings in mice deficient in Hoxa2, a key regulator of branchial arch patterning, which has necessitated a revision to the canonical model of pinna morphogenesis. The revised model will likely impact current classification schemes for microtia and, as we argue in this review, the interpretation of the developmental basis for various auricular malformations. In addition, we highlight recent studies in other mammalian species that are providing the first clues as to possible causes of at least some isolated anomalies and thus should now accelerate the search for the more elusive genetic contributions to the many isolated and non-syndromic cases of microtia. These findings, together with the application of new genome-level sequencing technologies and more thorough quantitative assessment of available mutant mouse resources, promise an exciting future for genetic studies in microtia.

A New Classification Based on the Kaban's Modification for Surgical Management of Craniofacial Microsomia

In medicine, classifications are designed to describe accurately and reliably all anatomic and structural components, establish a prognosis, and guide a given treatment. Classifications should be useful in a universal way to facilitate communication between health professionals and to formulate management protocols. In many situations and particularly with craniofacial microsomia, there have been many different classifications that do not achieve this goal. In fact, when there are so many classifications, one can conclude that there is not a clear one that accomplishes all these ends and defines a treatment protocol. It is our intent to present a new classification based on the Pruzansky's classification, later modified by Kaban, to determine treatment protocols based on the degree of osseous deficiency present in the body, ramus, and temporomandibular joint. Different mandibular defects are presented in two patients with craniofacial microsomia type III and IV according to our classification with the corresponding management proposed for each type and adequate functional results.