Relationship between cleft palate width and otitis media

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Craniofacial Anomalies

Background:

• Otitis media (OM) is a common complication in children with cleft palate (CP).
• The relationship between cleft width and OM severity remains unclear.
• Understanding this association can inform management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between cleft width and the incidence, type, and amount of middle ear effusion in children with CP.
• To determine if cleft width is a risk factor for OM morbidity in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 118 children with CP who underwent palatoplasty (2014-2018).
• Cleft width was measured during surgery.
• Incidence, type, amount, and duration of middle ear effusion (OME and AOM) were assessed in relation to cleft width.

Main Results:

• Cleft width was significantly greater in children with acute otitis media (AOM) compared to those without.
• Wider clefts were associated with mucoid and complete middle ear effusions.
• No significant association was found between cleft width and the incidence or duration of otitis media with effusion (OME).

Conclusions:

• Cleft width is associated with AOM incidence and middle ear effusion characteristics prior to palatoplasty.
• Cleft width does not predict OME incidence, resolution age, or duration.
• Children with CP and OM require long-term follow-up, irrespective of cleft width or type.