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Impaired weight gain in cleft palate infants
The Cleft Palate Journal
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Infants with cleft palate show significant weight faltering in early months, highlighting the need for prompt feeding support. Early intervention for feeding difficulties in cleft palate infants is crucial for healthy growth.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Craniofacial Anomalies
Background:
- Cleft palate presents significant feeding challenges for infants.
- Early feeding difficulties can impact infant growth and development.
- Lack of specialized feeding training exacerbates these issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify early feeding difficulties in infants with cleft palate.
- To analyze weight gain patterns in the first six months of life.
- To establish the optimal timing for feeding interventions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of weight records for 37 infants with cleft palate.
- Analysis of median weight percentiles against standard growth curves.
- Correlation of weight faltering with the onset of feeding issues.
Main Results:
- Infants with cleft palate experienced a decline in median weight percentile from the 30th at birth to the 20th by two months.
- Weight percentiles did not recover to birth levels until six months of age.
- Feeding problems were often established before families received specialized training.
Conclusions:
- Early feeding difficulties are common and impact growth in infants with cleft palate.
- Timely introduction of specialized feeding instruction is essential.
- This data supports proactive counseling and early intervention for families.