Pharyngeal Airway Analysis for Area and Volume in Patients Affected by Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate - A Comparative Study.

Abstract

Introduction: The most prevalent craniofacial birth abnormality is cleft lip and palate (CLP), which affects around 1 in 700 live births globally. This study evaluates the age-related changes in airway dimensions in children and adults with cleft lip and palate and compares the findings to normal subjects matched for age and sex.

Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 300 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were examined and coded matching the subjects in the experiment for age and gender. OnDemand three-dimensional (3D) software was used to generate 3D models for the airways of the subjects and for calculating their airway volumes.

Results: In CLP patients, the airway volumes, along with the corresponding values for cross-sectional area were considerably lower than those in the control group. In CLP patients, unilateral cleft had a statistically significant (P = 0.001) decreased area than bilateral cleft. Irrespective of cleft or control, the volume and area were found to be statistically significant (P = 0.001) and more in adult than child subjects. Gender-wise volume was found to be significantly more (P = 0.001) in adult bilateral cleft males when compared to other groups. Gender-wise comparison of area in bilateral cleft patients was found to be more in adult subjects as compared to child and adult controls and unilateral clefts.

Discussion: Surgeons would need to take the information obtained from the results of this study when considering a therapeutic surgical procedure in the management of CLP or obstructive sleep apnoea.