Orofacial Strength and Functions in Filipino Adults With Delayed Palatal (and Lip) Closure

This study investigated the presence of orofacial myofunctional disorders in Filipino adults born with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP±L) who underwent delayed primary palatal (and lip) closure. Nineteen Filipino adults (mean age=22.4, SD=4.47 y) who underwent delayed primary palatal closure with (n=10) or without (n=9) early or delayed lip closure (CP±L) were included. Perceptual and instrumental orofacial myofunctional outcomes were compared with a control group (mean age=19.2, SD=0.98 y) consisting of individuals without a CP±L. In addition, the results of patients with delayed lip closure (n=3) were compared with those of individuals with early lip closure (n=5). The findings indicated poorer orofacial myofunctional outcomes in patients with CP±L who underwent delayed primary palatal closure in comparison to healthy controls. Significantly lower scores for appearance and posture, mobility and functionality of oropharyngeal structures, as well as weaker tongue and lip muscle strength were observed in the CP±L group. Comparison of individuals with early lip closure, delayed lip closure and non-affected controls revealed notably lower total OMES scores (Orofacial Myofunctional Outcomes with Scores) for both the early and delayed lip closure group compared with controls. The delayed lip closure groups showed reduced mobility and functionality of the oropharyngeal structures as well as reduced lip and anterior tongue strength compared with the control group. These specific orofacial myofunctional disorders were not observed in the early lip closure group. In conclusion, patients with CP±L who underwent delayed primary palatal closure show more orofacial myofunctional disorders than healthy controls. In addition, delayed lip closure was associated with more severe orofacial myofunctional disorders compared with early lip closure. These results suggest incomplete restoration of perioral muscles and functions after delayed palatal and/or lip repair. Future global research collaborations on orofacial myofunctional outcomes and rehabilitation are essential to improve specialized health care worldwide.