Septal manipulation in the neonate: method and results

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Otolaryngology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Septal configuration at birth, categorized as type A (straight), type B (bent), or type C (deformed), influences infant health.
• Specific septal types correlate with immediate issues like nasal obstruction and feeding difficulties, and later with dental abnormalities and respiratory infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the correlation between septal configurations at birth and subsequent health problems in infants.
• To evaluate the efficacy of early manipulation in mitigating these health issues.
• To elucidate the physiological mechanisms, including Bernoulli's phenomenon, underlying the increased incidence of ear disease in type B septal deviations.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 284 infants was assessed at birth for septal configuration.
• Infants were followed up to approximately 5 years of age.
• A comparison was made between 105 control infants with minimal issues (unmanipulated) and 179 infants with symptoms who underwent manipulation.

Main Results:

• Type B septal deviation showed the highest incidence of associated health problems, while type A had the least.
• Infants who underwent manipulation exhibited a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of nasal obstruction, feeding problems, dental abnormalities, and respiratory infections.
• External nasal deformities, present in 4% of births, were successfully corrected through manipulation.

Conclusions:

• Infant septal configuration is a significant factor in early-life health outcomes, impacting feeding and respiratory systems.
• Early, non-invasive manipulation of septal deviations is an effective intervention to prevent or reduce the severity of associated health problems.
• Understanding nasal physiology, such as Bernoulli's phenomenon, is crucial for explaining the link between septal deviation and conditions like otitis media.