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Prevalence of feeding disorders in children with cleft palateonly: a retrospective study
Insights
Children with cleft palate only (CPO) frequently experience feeding difficulties (67%), often requiring nasogastric (NG) tube feeding (32%). Surgical repair of the palate significantly improves these feeding issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Craniofacial anomalies
- Speech and feeding disorders
Background:
- Cleft palate only (CPO) can lead to significant feeding challenges in infants.
- Understanding the prevalence of feeding problems and associated conditions is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of feeding difficulties and nasogastric (NG) feeding in children with CPO.
- To investigate associated disorders/syndromes (AssD/S) and potential risk factors for feeding issues.
- To evaluate the impact of palatoplasty on feeding difficulties.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 90 medical records of children with CPO.
- Analysis of feeding problems, NG tube use, associated disorders, and breastfeeding outcomes.
Main Results:
- 67% of CPO children experienced feeding difficulties; 32% required NG feeding.
- 54% had associated malformations, with severity linked to cleft severity.
- Gender, gestational age, and birth weight were not significant risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Children with CPO have a high incidence of feeding difficulties and often require NG feeding.
- Cleft severity correlates with the likelihood of associated disorders/syndromes.
- Palatoplasty significantly improves feeding difficulties, highlighting the importance of surgical repair.
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, these verity 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.
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