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Characterizing Speech Phenotype in Individuals With Craniofacial Microsomia: A Scoping Review
Sara Kinter1,2,3, Katelyn Kotlarek4, Anna Meehan2,5
1Division of Craniofacial Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle.
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|November 6, 2023
Summary
Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) affects speech, causing velopharyngeal and articulation issues. More research is needed for speech screening guidelines in children with CFM.
Area of Science:
- Speech-language pathology
- Genetics and developmental biology
- Medical genetics
Background:
- Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is a congenital condition impacting facial structures and potentially leading to hearing loss, sleep apnea, and feeding difficulties.
- Speech production is a critical area of concern for individuals with CFM, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of associated challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review summarizing the existing evidence on speech production in individuals with Craniofacial Microsomia (CFM).
Main Methods:
- A systematic search and screening of articles reporting on speech production characteristics in CFM were performed by two independent reviewers.
- Data extraction focused on study design, diagnostic criteria, speech outcome measures, and key findings, guided by PRISMA-ScR checklist.
- The review protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework.
Main Results:
- Forty-five articles were included, predominantly from the US and published recently, often using case report/series designs.
- Velopharyngeal insufficiency prevalence ranged from 19% to 55%, with articulation errors in alveolar/palatal fricatives and affricates being common.
- Adolescents with CFM exhibited increased speech disorders and lower intelligibility; phonatory and respiratory data remain limited.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with CFM demonstrate a higher risk for velopharyngeal and articulatory speech impairments.
- Further research is required to establish evidence-based speech screening guidelines for children with CFM.
- Heterogeneity in study methodologies hinders cross-study comparisons.
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