Characterizing NICU Admissions and Clinical Interventions in Neonates With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Multicenter...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Neonatology
• Congenital Anomalies Research

Background:

• Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is a common congenital anomaly requiring specialized neonatal care.
• Limited data exists on clinical interventions for neonates with CL/P admitted to the NICU.
• Understanding NICU interventions is crucial for optimizing early care and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical interventions provided to neonates with CL/P in the NICU.
• To identify differences in interventions based on cleft type (CL, CP, CLP).
• To inform the development of standardized care protocols and guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Multicenter study using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database.
• Analysis of 923 neonates with CL, CP, or CLP across 49 US children's hospitals.
• Characterization of NICU interventions, including feeding, respiratory, and medical management.

Main Results:

• Infants with cleft lip were more likely to be premature with lower birth weights.
• Cleft palate or cleft lip and palate were associated with longer hospital stays and increased feeding/respiratory interventions.
• Swallow evaluations, feeding therapy, and anti-infectives were common interventions.

Conclusions:

• NICU care for infants with CL/P is complex, with significant feeding and airway challenges.
• Findings highlight opportunities for standardized care protocols and multidisciplinary planning.
• This research provides a foundation for future clinical guidelines to improve early outcomes for infants with CL/P.