Long-term aesthetics, patient-reported outcomes, and auricular sensitivity after microtia reconstruction: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Auricular reconstruction for microtia is most frequently performed using autologous costal cartilage (ACC) or porous polyethylene (PPE) implants. Short-term results are generally promising, but long-term results remain unclear. Long-term outcomes were explored in this systematic review, and minimal reporting criteria were suggested for future original data studies.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception through October 14, 2020. Articles on auricular reconstruction in patients with microtia using ACC or PPE were included if postsurgical follow-up was at least 1 year. Outcome reporting was split into separate publications, and results on complications were reported previously. This publication focused on long-term aesthetic, patient-reported, and sensitivity outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty-one publications reported on these outcomes. Both materials led to aesthetically pleasing results and high rates of patient satisfaction. ACC frameworks grew similarly to contralateral ears, and the anterior surface of auricles regained sensitivity. Furthermore, postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes were generally good. Data synthesis was limited due to considerable variability between studies and poor study quality. No conclusions could be drawn on the superiority of either method due to the lack of comparative analyses.

CONCLUSION

Future studies should minimally report (1) surgical efficacy measured using the tool provided in the UK Care Standards for the Management of Patients with Microtia and Atresia; (2) complications including framework extrusion or exposure, graft loss, framework resorption, wire exposure and scalp/auricular scar complications and (3) HRQoL before and after treatment using the EAR-Q patient-reported outcome measure (PROM).

Long-term complications of microtia reconstruction: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Microtia is a rare disorder characterized by malformation or even complete absence of the auricle. Reconstruction is often performed using autologous costal cartilage (ACC) or porous polyethylene implants (PPE). However, the long-term outcomes of both methods are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to analyze long-term complications and suggest minimal reporting criteria for future original data studies.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception through October 14, 2020. Articles on auricular reconstruction in patients with microtia using ACC or PPE were included provided that the follow-up period was at least one year. This publication focused on long-term complications reported in patients with a postoperative follow-up period of at least one year.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine publications reported on complications during long-term follow-up. Overall long-term complication rates were not reported. The incidence of individual complications during long-term follow-up was less than 10% after ACC reconstruction and less than 15% in PPE reconstruction. Framework resorption and wire exposure were reported even after an extended follow-up of more than five years after ACC reconstruction, while reports on the extended long-term results of PPE reconstruction are limited. Data synthesis was limited due to heterogeneity and poor study quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies should report on long-term complications including framework exposure or extrusion, graft loss, framework resorption, wire exposure and scalp and auricular scar complications. We recommend a surgical follow-up of at least five years.

Surgical management in submucous cleft palate patients

OBJECTIVES

The submucous cleft palate (SMCP) is considered to be the most subtle type of cleft palate. Early detection is important to allow on time intervention by speech therapy and/or surgical repair before the children already develop compensatory speech mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to investigate at what time children with a SMCP present, to determine when children are operated, and to analyze the postoperative outcomes for in SMCP children.

PATIENT AND METHODS

Medical records from 766 individuals registered in the cleft registry in the Wilhelmina's Children's' Hospital, Utrecht, were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were children diagnosed with SMCP. The following data were collected: age at diagnosis, physical examination, age at surgery, surgical technique, speech therapy pre- and post-surgery, otitis media, secondary cleft surgery, family history, syndromes, and other anomalies.

RESULTS

In total, 56 SMCP children were identified. The mean age of diagnosis was 44.0 months (range 0-150, SD = 37.0). In 48 children (85.7%), surgical intervention was performed (Furlow plasty, intravelar veloplasty, pharyngoplasty, or Furlow combined with buccal flap).

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study reconfirms that SMCP often presents late, even in a country with a modern healthcare system and adequate follow-up of all newborns by the so-called youth doctors in "children's healthcare centers" up to the age of 4 years old. Almost 86% of patients ultimately needed palate surgery when SMCP was suspected.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Any child presenting with repeated episodes of otitis media, nasal regurgitation, or speech difficulties should have prompt consideration for SMCP as diagnosis.

Biofabrication of a shape-stable auricular structure for the reconstruction of ear deformities

Bioengineering of the human auricle remains a significant challenge, where the complex and unique shape, the generation of high-quality neocartilage, and shape preservation are key factors. Future regenerative medicine–based approaches for auricular cartilage reconstruction will benefit from a smart combination of various strategies. Our approach to fabrication of an ear-shaped construct uses hybrid bioprinting techniques, a recently identified progenitor cell population, previously validated biomaterials, and a smart scaffold design. Specifically, we generated a 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold via fused deposition modeling, photocrosslinked a human auricular cartilage progenitor cell–laden gelatin methacryloyl (gelMA) hydrogel within the scaffold, and cultured the bioengineered structure in vitro in chondrogenic media for 30 days. Our results show that the fabrication process maintains the viability and chondrogenic phenotype of the cells, that the compressive properties of the combined PCL and gelMA hybrid auricular constructs are similar to native auricular cartilage, and that biofabricated hybrid auricular structures exhibit excellent shape fidelity compared with the 3D digital model along with deposition of cartilage-like matrix in both peripheral and central areas of the auricular structure. Our strategy affords an anatomically enhanced auricular structure with appropriate mechanical properties, ensures adequate preservation of the auricular shape during a dynamic in vitro culture period, and enables chondrogenically potent progenitor cells to produce abundant cartilage-like matrix throughout the auricular construct. The combination of smart scaffold design with 3D bioprinting and cartilage progenitor cells holds promise for the development of clinically translatable regenerative medicine strategies for auricular reconstruction.

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First application of human auricular cartilage progenitor cells for bioprinting.

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Dual-printing of hybrid ear-shaped constructs with excellent shape fidelity over time.

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Strategy and design ensured adequate deposition of cartilage-like matrix throughout large auricular constructs.

Effect of hyperextension of the neck (rose position) on cerebral blood oxygenation in patients who underwent cleft palate reconstructive surgery: prospective cohort study using near-infrared spectroscopy

OBJECTIVES

To facilitate the best approach during cleft palate surgery, children are positioned with hyperextension of the neck. Extensive head extension may induce intraoperative cerebral ischemia if collateral flow is insufficient. To evaluate and monitor the effect of cerebral blood flow on cerebral tissue oxygenation, near-infrared spectroscopy has proved to be a valuable method. The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantify whether hyperextension affects the cerebral tissue oxygenation in children during cleft palate surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study included children (ASA 1 and 2) under the age of 3 years old who underwent cleft palate repair at the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, in The Netherlands. Data were collected for date of birth, cleft type, date of cleft repair, and physiological parameters (MAP, saturation, heart rate, expiratory CO₂ and O₂, temperature, and cerebral blood oxygenation) during surgery. The cerebral blood oxygenation was measured with NIRS.

RESULTS

Thirty-four children were included in this study. The majority of the population was male (61.8%, n = 21). The mixed model analyses showed a significant drop at time of Rose position of - 4.25 (69-74 95% CI; p < 0.001) and - 4.39 (69-74 95% CI; p < 0.001). Postoperatively, none of the children displayed any neurological disturbance.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that hyperextension of the head during cleft palate surgery leads to a significant decrease in cerebral oxygenation. Severe cerebral desaturation events during surgery were uncommon and do not seem to be of clinical relevance in ASA 1 and 2 children.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

There was a significant drop in cerebral oxygenation after positioning however it is not clear whether this drop is truly significant physiologically in ASA 1 and 2 patients.

If it ain't broke don't fix it? Ethics of splinting deformed newborn ears

Neonatal ear splinting is a proven and safe method to mold deformed ears into a more common shape. Based on our earlier studies, splinting is recommended only before the age of six weeks and preferably within the first week after birth. This can be done by initiating a system in which this intervention is actively proposed to parents. In this paper, we ethically evaluate such a system. By molding perfectly healthy newborn ears, we reach the boundary between treatment and enhancement. A key question is, therefore, whether we could classify neonatal ear splinting as a therapy. On the level of the individual, the advantages outweigh the drawbacks, but on the level of society, it is more complicated. Making ear deformities a part of official national screening programs fails to meet WHO criteria. Moreover, by systematically offering ear molding, professionals may be promoting guilt or fear of missing the opportunity. Additionally, it could affect societal attitudes toward cosmetic deformities. However, if we argue that on the individual level infants may benefit from ear splinting, then active detection of ear deformities allows parents to choose in a timely way from the full range of options, including splinting and a wait-and-see approach. We are inclined to optimally inform parents without setting up a full-blown public health program. The extent to which it is possible to timely offer splints to parents of newborns depends on the infrastructure of health care systems. The key will be for everyone involved, public or commercial, to responsibly educate and facilitate.

Impact of unilateral congenital aural atresia on academic Performance: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the academic performance of children with unilateral congenital aural atresia (CAA).

OBJECTIVE

of review: Our objective was to summarize what is known about the academic performance of children with hearing loss by unilateral congenital aural atresia, in order to provide pragmatic recommendations to clinicians who see children with this entity.

TYPE OF REVIEW

Systematic review.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We conducted a systematic search in PubMed Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library combining the terms "atresia" and synonyms with "unilateral hearing loss" and synonyms. Date of the most recent search was 16 May 2018.

EVALUATION METHOD

Two independent authors identified studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. This review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Observational studies on the academic achievements of patients of any age with unilateral conductive hearing loss of any level due to congenital aural atresia were included. We considered grade retention, special education, individualized education plans, and parental report of school performance as outcome measures for academic achievement.

RESULTS

Two studies reporting on academic performance of patients with unilateral CAA, which both had a significant risk of bias. One study (n = 140) showed a grade retention rate of 3.6% (n = 5) in total. 15.7% (n = 22) needed special education, and 36.4% (n = 51) used an individualized education program. The second study, reporting on 67 patients with unilateral CAA, showed that 29.9% (n = 20) of the patients received school intervention, and 25.4% (n = 17) had learning problems.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence regarding the effect of unilateral congenital aural atresia on academic performance is sparse, inconclusive and has a significant risk of bias. High quality observational studies assessing the effects of aural atresia on academic performance in these patients should be initiated.

Internationally adopted children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate: Middle ear findings and hearing during childhood

OBJECTIVE

Adopted children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate form a diverse group of patients. Due to increased age at palatal repair, adopted children have a higher risk of velopharyngeal insuffiency and poor speech outcome. Delayed palate repair may also lead to longer lasting Eustachian tube dysfunction. Decreased function of the Eustachian tube causes otitis media with effusion and recurrent acute otitis media, which can lead to other middle ear problems and hearing loss.

METHODS

One-hundred-and-thirty-two adopted children treated by the Cleft palate team in Wilhelmina Children's Hospital during January 1994 and December 2014 were included. Retrospectively, middle ear findings, the need for ventilation tube insertion and hearing during childhood were assessed. Findings were compared with 132 locally born children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate.

RESULTS

Adopted children had a mean age of 26.5 months old when they arrived in our country. After the age of two the total number of otitis media with effusion episodes and the need for ventilation tube placement did not significantly differ among adopted and non-adopted children. Adopted children had significantly more tympanic membrane perforations. Hearing threshold levels normalized with increasing age. Although within normal range, adopted children showed significantly higher pure tone averages than locally born children when they were eight to ten years old.

CONCLUSION

In general, adopted patients with cleft lip and/or cleft palate did not have more middle ear problems or ventilation tubes during childhood. However, theyhave more tympanic membrane perforations.

Progenitor cells in auricular cartilage demonstrate cartilage-forming capacity in 3D hydrogel culture

Paramount for the generation of auricular structures of clinically-relevant size is the acquisition of a large number of cells maintaining an elastic cartilage phenotype, which is the key in producing a tissue capable of withstanding forces subjected to the auricle. Current regenerative medicine strategies utilize chondrocytes from various locations or mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). However, the quality of neo-tissues resulting from these cell types is inadequate due to inefficient chondrogenic differentiation and endochondral ossification, respectively. Recently, a subpopulation of stem/progenitor cells has been identified within the auricular cartilage tissue, with similarities to MSCs in terms of proliferative capacity and cell surface biomarkers, but their potential for tissue engineering has not yet been explored. This study compared the in vitro cartilage-forming ability of equine auricular cartilage progenitor cells (AuCPCs), bone marrow-derived MSCs and auricular chondrocytes in gelatin methacryloyl (gelMA)-based hydrogels over a period of 56 d, by assessing their ability to undergo chondrogenic differentiation. Neocartilage formation was assessed through gene expression profiling, compression testing, biochemical composition and histology. Similar to MSCs and chondrocytes, AuCPCs displayed a marked ability to generate cartilaginous matrix, although, under the applied culture conditions, MSCs outperformed both cartilage-derived cell types in terms of matrix production and mechanical properties. AuCPCs demonstrated upregulated mRNA expression of elastin, low expression of collagen type X and similar levels of proteoglycan production and mechanical properties as compared to chondrocytes. These results underscored the AuCPCs' tissue-specific differentiation potential, making them an interesting cell source for the next generation of elastic cartilage tissue-engineered constructs.

The Cleft Aesthetic Rating Scale for 18-Year-Old Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: A Tool for Nasolabial Aesthetics Assessment

OBJECTIVE

To develop a reliable and easy-to-use method to assess the nasolabial appearance of 18-year-old patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP).

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of nasolabial aesthetics using a 5-point ordinal scale and newly developed photographic reference scale: the Cleft Aesthetic Rating Scale (CARS). Three cleft surgeons and 20 medical students scored the nasolabial appearance on standardized frontal photographs.

SETTING

VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam.

PATIENTS

Inclusion criteria: 18-year-old patients, unilateral cleft lip and palate, available photograph of the frontal view.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

history of facial trauma, congenital syndromes affecting facial appearance. Eighty photographs were available for scoring.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the CARS for 18-year-old patients when used by cleft surgeons and medical students.

RESULTS

The interobserver reliability for the nose and lip together was 0.64 for the cleft surgeons and 0.61 for the medical students. There was an intraobserver reliability of 0.75 and 0.78 from the surgeons and students, respectively, on the nose and lip together. No significant difference was found between the cleft surgeons and medical students in the way they scored the nose ( P = 0.22) and lip ( P = 0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

The Cleft Aesthetic Rating Scale for 18-year-old patients has a substantial overall estimated reliability when the average score is taken from three or more cleft surgeons or medical students assessing the nasolabial aesthetics of CLP patients.

Cost analysis of microtia treatment in the Netherlands

INTRODUCTION

Ear reconstruction for microtia is a challenging procedure. Although analyzing esthetic outcome is crucial, there is a paucity of information with regard to financial aspects of microtia reconstruction. This study was conducted to analyze the costs associated with ear reconstruction with costal cartilage in patients with microtia.

METHODS

Ten consecutive children with autologous ear reconstruction of a unilateral microtia were included in this analysis. All patients had completed their treatment protocol for ear reconstruction. Direct costs (admission to hospital, diagnostics, and surgery) and indirect cost (travel expenses and absence from work) were obtained retrospectively.

RESULTS

The overall mean cumulative cost per patient was €14,753. Direct and indirect costs were €13,907 and €846, respectively. Hospital admission and surgery cover 55% and 32% of all the costs, respectively.

DISCUSSION

This study analyzes the costs for autologous ear reconstruction. Hospital admission and surgery are the most important factors of the total costs. Total costs could be decreased by possibly decreasing admission days and surgical time. These data can be used for choosing and developing future treatment strategies.

Long-term mid-facial growth of patients with a unilateral complete cleft of lip, alveolus and palate treated by two-stage palatoplasty: cephalometric analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to evaluate long-term facial growth in adults previously treated for an isolated unilateral complete cleft lip, alveolus and palate by two-stage palatoplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients of 17 years and older treated by two-stage palatoplasty were invited for long-term follow-up. During follow-up, lateral cephalograms were obtained (n = 52). Medical history was acquired from their medical files. Outcome was compared to previously published normal values and the Eurocleft study.

RESULTS

Soft and hard palate closure were performed at the age of 8 (SD 5.9) months and 3 (SD 2.2) years, respectively. The mean maxillary and mandibular angle (SNA, SNB) were 74.9° (SD 4.2) and 75.8° (SD 3.8). Maxillary and maxillomandibular relationships (SNA, ANB) were comparable to all Eurocleft Centres, except for Centre D. We observed a significantly steeper upper interincisor angle compared to the Eurocleft Centres.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes the long-term craniofacial morphology in adults treated for a UCLP with hard palate closure at a mean age of 3 years. The mean maxillary angle SNA and mandibular angle SNPg were comparable to previous studies both applying early and delayed hard palate closure. The observed upper incisor proclination is likely caused by orthodontic overcorrection in response to the unfavourable jaw relationships. No clear growth benefit of this protocol could be demonstrated.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The present study shows the long-term craniofacial morphology of UCLP adults after the Utrecht treatment protocol which includes two-stage palate closure.

Late detection of cleft palate

Cleft palate only (CPO) is a common congenital malformation, and most patients are diagnosed within the first weeks after birth. Late diagnosis of the cleft palate (CP) could initially result in feeding and growth impairment, and subsequently speech and hearing problems later in life. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively investigate (1) at which age CPO is diagnosed and (2) how the presence of syndromes and other factors relate to the age at diagnosis. The mean age of all children at our centre with CPO included between 1997 and 2014 at diagnosis (n = 271) was 1 year and 4 months. In all, 24.8% (n = 67) was older than 12 months when diagnosed, and 37.3% (n = 101) of all children had been diagnosed >30 days. These findings remain valid when a cut-off point of 14 days is used (44.3% late). Moreover, the grade of the cleft was a determining factor for successful diagnosis; submucous clefts were detected much later on average (89.3% > 30 days; p = .000). Similar results were found using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses.

CONCLUSION

CPO is often diagnosed late. Patients diagnosed ≤30 days after birth more often presented with an associated disorder. Early diagnoses became more frequent as the severity of the cleft increased (grades 1-4). Professionals should perform more thorough intra-oral investigations, including manual palpations and visual inspections of the palate; they should be made more aware of the frequent accompanying symptoms.

WHAT IS KNOWN

The presence of cleft palate only (CPO) is known to negatively affect feeding, hearing, speech and (social) development. Submucous clefts are often underdiagnosed due to their difficulty to detect. As far as we know the literature shows that symptomatic submucous CPs are often diagnosed at an average age of 4.9 years.

WHAT IS NEW

37.3% respectively of all children with CPO were diagnosed relatively late (>30 days after birth), 24.8% was older than 12 months when diagnosed. Mean age of all children with CPO was 1 year and 4 months. We conclude that midwives and pediatricians should perform more through intra-oral investigations of all new-borns, including both a manual palpation, als well a visual inspection of the palate.

Auricular reconstruction using biofabrication-based tissue engineering strategies

Auricular malformations, which impose a significant social and psychological burden, are currently treated using ear prostheses, synthetic implants or autologous implants derived from rib cartilage. Advances in the field of regenerative medicine and biofabrication provide the possibility to engineer functional cartilage with intricate architectures and complex shapes using patient-derived or donor cells. However, the development of a successful auricular cartilage implant still faces a number of challenges. These challenges include the generation of a functional biochemical matrix, the fabrication of a customized anatomical shape, and maintenance of that shape. Biofabrication technologies may have the potential to overcome these challenges due to their ability to reproducibly deposit multiple materials in complex geometries in a highly controllable manner. This topical review summarizes this potential of biofabrication technologies for the generation of implants for auricular reconstruction. In particular, it aims to discuss how biofabrication technologies, although still in pre-clinical phase, could overcome the challenges of generating and maintaining the desired auricular shapes. Finally, remaining bottlenecks and future directions are discussed.

Fistula incidence and predictors of fistula occurrence after cleft palate repair: two-stage closure versus one-stage closure

OBJECTIVE

To review the clinical outcomes of our cleft palate team in terms of fistula rate and to determine whether gender, syndrome, cleft type, age at repair, operating surgeon, type of cleft repair, and cleft width influence the risk of fistula occurrence. Cleft palate repair was done in one- or two-stages.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis was performed of medical records of 275 patients who underwent palate repair and who were born between 1988 and 1997. All consecutive cleft (lip and) palate patients (including syndromes) were incorporated. Multivariate analysis was performed to look for predictors of the formation of fistulas.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-four and 121 patients underwent two-stage and one-stage repair, respectively. The median duration of follow-up was 9 years. The overall incidence of the formation of a fistula was 21%, with a recurrence rate of 9% after fistula repair. Three independent predictors of fistulization were found: palate repair in two stages, younger age at the second stage of a two-stage repair (≤3.0 years), and greater cleft width (≥13 mm). A fistula occurred in 27% of two-stage repairs versus 14% of one-stage repairs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found a relatively high incidence of fistula formation after cleft palate repair. Although the study populations were not randomized, this study suggests that a two-stage closure has a higher rate of fistula formation when compared with a one-stage closure. This study demonstrates that cleft width at the time of cleft palate repair plays a crucial role in the development of fistulas.

Robin sequence: clearing nosologic confusion

OBJECTIVE

To gather evidence surrounding the confusion in the classification of Robin sequence and inform those who have the power to make the changes in defining this symptom complex.

METHOD

A questionnaire was sent to all participating cleft palate teams (N=204) of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. The questionnaire identified the precise, different characteristics for diagnosing Robin sequence and evaluated whether the difference between a retrognathia and micrognathia influenced the diagnosis process. We subsequently also investigated whether the cleft type (i.e., U-shaped versus V-shaped) had any influence in the decision-making process. A PubMed literature review of the 50 most recent manuscripts about Robin sequence was evaluated also.

RESULTS

Seventy-three questionnaires were received. This 35% response rate revealed 14 different definitions of Robin sequence. A PubMed literature review of 50 consecutive manuscripts revealed 15 different descriptions.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that nosologic confusion is widespread with regard to defining Robin sequence. This has implications for evaluating Robin sequence, giving advice about the prognosis and genetic counseling, and refining treatment options.

Robin sequence: clearing nosologic confusion

OBJECTIVE

To gather evidence surrounding the confusion in the classification of Robin sequence and inform those who have the power to make the changes in defining this symptom complex.

METHOD

A questionnaire was sent to all participating cleft palate teams (N=204) of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. The questionnaire identified the precise, different characteristics for diagnosing Robin sequence and evaluated whether the difference between a retrognathia and micrognathia influenced the diagnosis process. We subsequently also investigated whether the cleft type (i.e., U-shaped versus V-shaped) had any influence in the decision-making process. A PubMed literature review of the 50 most recent manuscripts about Robin sequence was evaluated also.

RESULTS

Seventy-three questionnaires were received. This 35% response rate revealed 14 different definitions of Robin sequence. A PubMed literature review of 50 consecutive manuscripts revealed 15 different descriptions.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that nosologic confusion is widespread with regard to defining Robin sequence. This has implications for evaluating Robin sequence, giving advice about the prognosis and genetic counseling, and refining treatment options.

Prevalence of feeding disorders in children with cleft palate only: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study in children with cleft palate only (CPO) is to (1) explore the prevalence of feeding problems on a retrospective basis, (2) investigate rates of nasogastric (NG) feeding, (3) examine the prevalence of associated disorders and/or syndromes (AssD/S), (4) investigate if there are certain risk factors associated with feeding difficulties, NG feeding, and failure of breastfeeding, and (5) investigate the effect of palatoplasty on feeding difficulties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 90 questionnaires were included in this study. The medical records were reviewed.

RESULTS

Feeding difficulties were reported in 67% (n = 60) of all cases. NG feeding was given in 32% (n = 28) of all children. Forty-nine children (54%) have associated malformations. There is no significant relation for gender, gestational age, and birth weight as risk factors for feeding difficulties, NG feeding, and failure of breastfeeding. The severity of the cleft is significantly related to the prevalence of AssD/S. After palatoplasty, feeding difficulties improved in 79% of the CPO children.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

First, our results clearly indicate that children with CPO are at high risk of developing feeding difficulties (67%); NG feeding is often necessary (32%). Second, our results also indicate that the more severe the cleft, the more likely the chance for AssD/S. Third, the severity of the cleft is significantly related to the prevalence of AssD/S. Fourth, there is no significant relation for gender, gestational age, and birth weight as risk factors for feeding difficulties, NG feeding, and failure of breastfeeding. Fifth, improvement of feeding difficulties after surgery supports the importance of the soft palate closure in relation to sucking patterns and feeding skills.

Premaxillary protrusion assessment by the maxilla-nasion-mandible angle in fetuses with facial clefts

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to measure the degree of premaxillary protrusion in fetuses with orofacial clefts of various severities.

METHODS

The maxilla-nasion-mandible (MNM) angle was measured retrospectively on by multiplanar corrected volumes. Sixty-two fetuses with orofacial clefts and known outcome volumes of the fetal head were available.

RESULTS

In 48 of the 62 cases, the MNM angle could be measured [mean gestational age 23 (range, 18-30) weeks]. The mean MNM angle was normal in all nine cases with cleft lip and intact alveolar ridge (15.2°; range, 12.5°- 16.9°). In 24 cases with unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate (UCL/P), the mean MNM angle was 20.0° (range, 13.3-26.2°), being above the 95th percentile in 79% (n = 19) and normal in 21% (n = 5). In 14 bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCL/P) cases, the mean MNM angle was 26.5° (range, 19.2°-33.7°) and above the 95th percentile in all cases. There was no difference in MNM angle between isolated clefts and clefts associated with other anomalies. In one case with a Tessier 4 cleft, the MNM angle was above the 95th percentile (25.2°).

CONCLUSION

The premaxilla tends to protrude in both BCL/P as UCL/P cases. The degree of protrusion varies greatly, especially in the BCL/P group.

Prenatal ultrasound screening for orofacial clefts

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for detecting prenatal facial clefts in low-risk and high-risk populations.

METHODS

This study prospectively followed up a non-selected population, namely all pregnant women who underwent routine second-trimester prenatal ultrasound screening in the Utrecht region during the 2-year period from January 2007 to December 2008.

RESULTS

A total of 35 924 low-risk and 2836 high-risk pregnant women underwent ultrasound screening. Orofacial clefts were present in 62 cases, an incidence of 1:624. The distribution of clefts was as follows: 18 (29%) cleft lip, 25 (40%) cleft lip with cleft palate, 17 (27%) cleft palate only, one median cleft and one atypical cleft. Of these, 38 (61%) were unilateral and 23 (37%) were bilateral. Thirty-nine per cent (24/62) had associated anomalies, with most chromosomal defects found in the cleft lip with cleft palate and cleft palate only groups. Cleft lip with or without cleft palate was detected prenatally in 38/43 cases, a sensitivity of 88%. No case of cleft palate only was detected prenatally. There were three false-positive cases, of which two were fetuses with multiple congenital deformities.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound screening has a high sensitivity for the detection of cleft lip with and without cleft palate in high-risk and low-risk pregnancies in our region, where well-trained sonographers carry out primary screening. The key to a high sensitivity of prenatal ultrasound is likely to be a combination of excellent training of sonographers, referral to specialized centers when a cleft is suspected, routine visualization of the fetal face and advances in ultrasound techniques.

A prospective study on non-surgical correction of protruding ears: the importance of early treatment

OBJECTIVES

Splinting is an elegant method to correct ear deformities in the newborn. However evidence is lacking on the relation between age and efficacy and duration of the treatment. We prospectively studied these questions on protruding ears in 132 babies.

METHODS

A splint in the scaphal hollow was used in combination with tape (Earbuddies(®)). Treatment continued until the desired shape persisted. Results were judged from photographs and mastoid-helical distance was measured.

RESULTS

In 132 babies 209 ears were treated. Twenty-four patients had no follow-up, 27 stopped therapy for skin irritation and fixation problems. In the remaining patients results were good in 28%, fair in 36%, poor in 36%. Efficacy deteriorates with age; with fair or good results in 66.7% if therapy started before the sixth week. Older children needed to be splinted longer. The anti-helical fold was easier corrected than a deep concha (correction in 69.8% versus 26.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Considering splinting therapy for protruding ears, a reasonable chance of success can only be offered to parents of children up to six weeks of age. It is favorable if the deformity is mainly due to a flat antihelix.

Is an isolated cleft lip an isolated anomaly?

INTRODUCTION

It is well known that patients with cleft lip/palate or cleft palate can have associated anomalies. However, there is a relative paucity of information about the possible anomalies associated with an isolated cleft lip. A recent study (Vallino et al., 2008) showed that children with cleft lip and/or alveolus often develop cleft palate-related issues. This inspired us to investigate our population.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to the parents of 214 children with cleft lip and/or alveolus; 161 questionnaires were returned (response rate (RR): 75%) and included in our study. The study consisted of 91 boys and 70 girls (0.3-13.1 years: mean 6.8 ± 3.5 years).

RESULTS

Speech and/or language problems were reported in 34% and ventilation tube insertion in 21% of children with ≥6 years' follow-up. Of the children in that group, 33% reported to have undergone an episode of acute otitis media and 11% reported five episodes or more. Additional congenital anomalies were found in 4% of children with a cleft lip and in 16% of children with a cleft lip/alveolus.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that an isolated cleft lip can often be described as an isolated anomaly, although children with cleft lip and/or alveolus develop cleft palate-related issues more often than anticipated. Therefore, we suggest an intensive monitoring and treatment of children with these types of clefts.

Vascular malformations of the lower limb with osseous involvement

Vascular malformations are rare congenital lesions which often have associated skeletal changes. Over a period of ten years, 90 patients at our clinic had a vascular anomaly of the lower limb, examined by either CT or MRI. Of these, 18 (20%) had bony involvement. A questionnaire was sent to these patients (8 men, 10 women) to evaluate their age of presentation, initial symptoms and current complaints. Radiological imaging revealed 15 low- and three high-flow lesions. The mean age at presentation to a physician was six years of age. Pain was the most common complaint. Disparity in leg length of 2 cm or more was observed in ten patients. Of the 16 patients with muscle infiltration, 13 had four or more muscles involved. Treatment by resection alone would require radical surgery.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of vascular malformations of the lower extremity

Vascular malformations are congenital lesions resulting from a defect during embryogenesis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a very effective method for demonstrating detailed information regarding involved structures, extent, and flow characteristics of vascular malformations. In previous MRI studies, most of the emphasis is laid on the difference between high- and low-flow lesions, whereas little detailed information is available about the extent of local tissue involvement. These additional characteristics may influence the approach in treating these malformations and improve understanding of the pathogenesis. We retrospectively reviewed MRI scans of 40 patients with vascular malformations of the lower extremity. Thirty-four patients had low-flow lesions, and six had high-flow lesions. Of the low-flow lesions, 23 patients (67.6 percent) had muscle infiltration, with four of the six high-flow lesions having muscle infiltration. Nine of the 11 male patients (81.8 percent) with low-flow lesions had associated muscle infiltration, in comparison with 14 of the 23 female patients (60.9 percent) with low-flow lesions (p = 0.206). Eighty percent of the vascular malformations located on the thigh with muscle involvement had involvement of the anterior muscle group, whereas 86.6 percent of the patients with a vascular malformation located on the leg and with associated muscle involvement had at least the posterior muscle group involved (p = 0.0049). Ten patients (25 percent) of the whole group had bone infiltration. Low-flow lesions often had multifocal lesions (20.6 percent), whereas associated muscle atrophy was visible in 10 low-flow lesions and in two high-flow lesions. In low-flow lesions with muscle infiltration (n = 23), 43 percent (n = 10) had associated surrounding muscle atrophy (p = 0.009). Hypertrophy of the subcutaneous tissue was visible in 11 low-flow patients (32.4 percent). The high amount of muscle and bone involvement in vascular malformations of the lower extremity is emphasized with this study. Of particular interest was the difference in affected muscle groups. The angiosome concept is used to explain this preponderance, and we feel the angiosome concept could also be used when assessing possible intervention. The surrounding muscle atrophy and multifocal nature of these anomalies are further important considerations when assessing the possibility of intervention.

Use of magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of vascular malformations of the lower extremity

Vascular malformations are anatomically subdivided according to the predominant channel anomaly into either capillary, arterial, venous, lymphatic, or combinations. They can be further subdivided into high- or low-flow malformations. Any lesion that has an arterial component is considered a high-flow malformation. Once the diagnosis of a vascular malformation is made, it is of paramount importance to define not only the flow characteristics but also the full range of extension, because the prognosis and appropriate treatment vary substantially for each type of anomaly. The two most useful noninvasive imaging techniques for assessing vascular malformations are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography. The aim of this review is to give surgeons involved in treating patients with vascular malformations an opportunity to gain some background on MRI scans when assessing vascular malformations. Although MRI is a powerful modality for assessing vascular malformations, we will also discuss some of the limitations of MRI. We further suggest a diagnostic flow chart developed on the basis of MRI features designed to help determine the composition of a vascular birthmark when intervention is anticipated.

High voltage electrical injury leading to a delayed onset tetraplegia, with recovery

High voltage electrical injury can cause considerable damage to the central nervous system. Delayed spinal cord injury is uncommon, usually incomplete, and comprises predominantly motor fallout. The injury can be progressive, with only a few patients showing partial improvement. We present a case report of a 20-year-old male who had a delayed onset spinal cord injury after a high voltage electrical injury. The symptoms started several days postburn with an ascending paralysis, leading to tetraplegia. Gradual recovery became evident at 3 months after the accident, starting with his arms and later showing partial recovery of his lower limbs. The mechanisms of injury and pathophysiology to the spinal cord are poorly understood. Possible explanations for the delayed onset of neurologic complications are given. The exact reasons for the delayed, ascending paralysis and the mechanism of recovery still need further investigation.

Retrospective study of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis treated over a 10-year period

Since the first operation for premature suture closure in North America in 1888, there have been some fundamental changes in the treatment of these sutures, the latest being the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's 1996 approval of a bioabsorbable fixation device. This retrospective study documents our experience with procedures performed primarily by Bennie J. van R. Zeeman for isolated craniosynostosis over a 10-year period. It was an attempt to evaluate factors affecting outcome and to determine the safety of the techniques used to correct these congenital defects. Diagnoses included plagiocephaly (116) and sagittal (44), metopic (17), and bilateral coronal (12) synostosis. All patients underwent fronto-orbital advancement or calvarial vault remodeling, or both. The average patient age at time of sagittal synostosis surgery was 13.4 months; unilateral coronal synostosis, 12.2 months; deformational plagiocephaly, 9.8 months; metopic synostosis, 8.6 months; and bilateral coronal synostosis, 10.4 months. Perioperative complications were minimal, with one mortality. Postoperative complications included three cases involving infection. The problem of reoperation for the removal of wires and plates remains the greatest postoperative complication. Because of poor patient compliance, no accurate postoperative follow-up has been recorded. On the basis of our experience, we wish to point out some problems inherent in this surgery and also the complications that can occur despite careful coordinated planning and team effort.