Changes in velopharyngeal valving with age

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Craniofacial Biology
• Physiology

Background:

• Velopharyngeal valving variability is known between individuals.
• Techniques like videofluoroscopy and nasopharyngoscopy reveal differing contributions to velopharyngeal closure.
• Longitudinal changes in velopharyngeal closure within individuals are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate longitudinal changes in velopharyngeal closure.
• To compare changes in normal subjects versus subjects with cleft palate.
• To observe velopharyngeal closure from prepubertal to postpubertal stages.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal observation of velopharyngeal closure.
• Study included normal subjects and subjects with cleft palate.
• Assessment spanned prepubertal to postpubertal life stages.

Main Results:

• Changes in velopharyngeal closure patterns were observed in 60% of normal subjects.
• Changes were noted in 30% of subjects with cleft palate.
• The study tracked alterations from pre-adenoid involution to post-adenoid involution.

Conclusions:

• Velopharyngeal closure patterns are not static within individuals throughout life.
• Significant changes occur in both normal and cleft palate populations.
• Understanding these longitudinal changes is crucial for clinical management.