Comparative cephalometric study of the airways between different ethnic groups with normal occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the nasopharynx and oropharynx airway dimensions of Caucasians, Blacks, Japanese, Japanese Brazilians, and Black Caucasians. METHODS: A sample of 216 lateral radiographs of untreated young Brazilian subjects (mean age of 12.94 years; SD 0.88) were divided into five groups: Black Caucasian, Black, Caucasian, Japanese, and Japanese Brazilian. Lateral radiographs were used to measure the oropharynx (from the midpoint on the soft palate to the closest point on the anterior pharyngeal wall) and the nasopharynx (from the intersection of the posterior border of the tongue and the inferior border of the mandible to the closest point on the posterior pharyngeal wall). Analyses of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test were performed (p< 0.05). RESULTS: The linear dimension of the oropharynx was similar among the different ethnic groups. Caucasian individuals presented a significantly greater linear dimension of the nasopharynx than Black Caucasian and Black individuals. CONCLUSIONS: All the groups had similar buccopharyngeal values. However, Caucasian individuals had significantly higher values when compared to Black Caucasians and Black individuals.

Speech Outcomes After Palatal Lengthening Via Double Opposing Buccinator Myomucosal Flaps.

BACKGROUND: Palatal lengthening is becoming a first-line treatment choice for cleft patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). As cleft palate-related surgical outcomes are age dependent, speech outcomes may be similarly affected by patient age at the time of treatment. The primary goal of this study is to determine whether there are age-related speech outcome differences when double opposing buccinator myomucosal flaps are used as part of a palatal lengthening protocol and whether these outcome differences preclude utilization of this technique for specific patient age groups. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on consecutive nonsyndromic patients with VPI who underwent treatment using double opposing buccinator myomucosal flaps at our hospital between 2014 and 2021. Patients who completed the 15-month follow-up were stratified by age. Group A aged between 2 and 7 years (n = 14), group B aged 8 and 18 years (n = 23), and group C aged older than 18 years (n = 25) were included. Standardized perceptual speech evaluations and nasopharyngoscopy were performed. Hypernasality, soft palate mobility, and lateral palatal wall mobility were assessed both preoperatively and at a 15-month postoperative interval. Complications were also recorded. The χ2 test was used for statistical comparison. RESULTS: All of the age-stratified patient groups in this study showed significant improvement in hypernasality, soft palate mobility, and lateral wall mobility (P < 0.01), with no statistically significant differences between the different patient age groups. Overall speech success was achieved in 69.4% of patients. Patients in group A achieved 78.6% speech success, patients in group B achieved 78.3% speech success, and patients in group C achieved 56% speech success, with no statistically significant differences being shown regarding speech success between the different patient age groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of age, palatal lengthening via double opposing buccinator myomucosal flaps similarly improves speech outcomes.

Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the soft palate: A closer look for an exceedingly rare salivary gland tumor.

Basal cell adenocarcinoma (BCAd) is an extremely rare primary biphasic carcinoma of the salivary glands with few well-documented cases reported in the literature. Herein, we report a rare case of a 44-year-old male patient who presented an oral medicine service with an erythematous nodular lesion on the soft palate, measuring 1.5 cm in its largest diameter, with a 5-year duration. The clinical diagnosis was pleomorphic adenoma, and an excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathological analysis revealed a biphasic infiltrative tumor composed of a mixture of central ductal cells and abluminal basal cells with slight atypia arranged in solid, trabecular, tubular and cribriform growth patterns in a loose stroma. The peripheral cells show a palisading arrangement with round hyperchromatic nuclei and scanty cytoplasm. Occasional mitotic figures were seen. Few spindle-shaped cells suggestive of myoepithelial cells were present in the stroma surrounding the basaloid tumor nests. The diagnosis was BCAd. The patient was referred to a head and neck service and has been followed up for 8 months with no signs of recurrence. In conclusion, although the diagnosis of BCAd can be challenging due to its rarity and morphological overlap with other salivary gland lesions, a meticulous morphological assessment is key for accurate diagnosis, especially in cases originating from minor salivary glands. Surgical excision with a wide safety margin is the treatment of choice and long-term follow-up is recommended to monitor possible recurrences.

Growth Outcomes Audit for Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate (UCLP) After 2-stage Palate Repair.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of 1 and 2-stage palatoplasty protocol on the dental arch relationships in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) in a single center. METHODS: Our study consisted of 349 individuals divided into 2 groups according to the palatoplasty protocol. Two-stage group comprised 169 subjects with UCLP (mean age: 6.9 y, 110 male and 59 female) who underwent lip, nasal ala, and anterior palate repair with vomer flap from 3 to 6 months (first surgery stage). Soft palate repair occurred from 12 to 18 months (second surgery stage). The one-stage group comprised 180 subjects with UCLP (mean age: 7.2 y, 108 male and 72 female) who underwent 1-stage palatoplasty. Dental models were evaluated by 3 experienced orthodontists applying Goslon Yardstick and the 5-year-old index (FYOI). The influence of the palatoplasty technique and surgeon factor on the interarch relationship was evaluated. The weighted Kappa was used to assess intraexaminer and interexaminer agreements for comparisons of dental arch relationships. Intergroup comparisons were conducted using the χ 2 test ( P <0.05). RESULTS: The intraexaminer reliability was very good (0.81 to 0.98) and interexaminer reliability varied from satisfactory to very good (0.56 to 0.83). The mean occlusal index of the 2-stage and 1-stage groups was 2.77 and 3.03, respectively. The variability of the mean index between surgeons varied from 2.38 to 3.2 in the 2-stage group and 2.91 to 3.2 in the 1-stage group. There were significant differences in the frequency of Goslon 5 index ( P =0.002) between groups, with the 2-stage group presenting less cases (1.18%) than the group 1-stage (11.11%). CONCLUSION: The interarch relationship was similar for both palate repair protocols. Two-stage palatoplasty showed a decreased prevalence of Goslon index 5.

Flap Necrosis Associated With Furlow's Palatoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Numerous authors have reported their outcomes after using Furlow's palatoplasty for cleft palate repair. However, little attention has been given to the operative complications associated with this technique. The present study was carried out to present cases and analyze the various factors influencing the development of this complication accompanying Furlow's palatoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a case report study of patients with cleft palate admitted to our center due to sequelae after primary cleft palate repair using Furlow palatoplasty between 2003 and 2021. Patient information was identified from the Smile Train cleft charity organization, parents' reports, and hospital records (intake forms and operating room registries). RESULTS: Five patients were identified as having secondary cleft palate with palatal flap necrosis and associated with Furlow palatoplasty during patient evaluation at our center between 2003 and 2021. The observed prevalence was 1.54%. CONCLUSIONS: Palatal flap necrosis is a rare but serious complication after primary Furlow's palatoplasty. The occurrence of this complication can be reduced by careful preoperative planning, and prevention is possible.

Relationship between craniofacial and dental arch morphology with pharyngeal airway space in adolescents.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate a possible relationship between pharyngeal airway space, craniofacial variables, and dental arch form in adolescents grouped by sex. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 108 adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were used to analyze sagittal craniofacial variables and the pharyngeal airway space. For evaluation of the dental arch form, we used plaster models. Statistical analysis included Student's t­test and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). RESULTS: Maxillary length was directly proportional to upper nasopharyngeal airway dimensions in males (r = 0.312, p = 0.021) and females (r = 0.310, p = 0.022). In the female group, upper oropharyngeal measurements showed an inverse correlation with a labial inclination of the upper incisors (r = -0.415, p = 0.001), protrusion of the upper incisors (r = -0.364, p = 0.006), and soft palate thickness (r = -0.27, p = 0.043). In the male group, upper nasopharynx measurements showed an inverse correlation with soft palate thickness (r = -0.277, p = 0.042). The upper arch form appeared to be related to oropharyngeal measurements in females, while the lower arch form was related to oropharyngeal dimensions in males. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that there are sex-dependent correlations of the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airway space with the sagittal craniofacial morphology and the transversal dental arch form.

The possible association between the types of soft palate and gag reflex: a preliminary study / A possível associação entre os tipos de palato mole e o reflexo de vômito: um estudo preliminar

Objective: whether gag reflex, a common problem encountered during dental procedures, is associated with the different types of the soft palate has not been addressed so far. This preliminary study sought to assess the potential association between the different types of soft palate and gag reflex. Material and Methods: one hundred dental patients were recruited. The type of soft palate was determined. Subjective (self-reported) gag reflex was recorded based on many questions and past experience and on a 0-6 VAS. Objective assessment of gag reflex was done using different maneuvers where the posterior part of the tongue and the soft palate were touched by dental mirror, and by taking impression for the upper arch. The association between the types of soft palate and the subjective and objective recorded gag reflex were statistically tested. Results: there were 53 (53%), 33 (33%) and 14 (14%) of the participants with class I, class II and class III soft palate, respectively. A significant association was found between the type of the soft palate and gag reflex in response to one of the subjective items (P= 0.039), more prominent among females (P= 0.009). Concerning the objective assessment, no significant associations were found among males. Meanwhile more females with class II and class III suffered gag reflex and/or actual gagging upon taking the impression (P = 0.001). Conclusion: this study illustrated an association between the type of soft palate and gag reflex, and its severity in females (more specifically soft palate types II and III) more than in males (AU)

Objetivo: o reflexo de vômito, um problema comum encontrado durante procedimentos odontológicos, está ou não associado aos diferentes tipos de palato mole, não foi ainda abordado até o momento. Este estudo preliminar procurou avaliar a possível associação entre os diferentes tipos de palato mole e o reflexo de vômito. Material e Métodos:cem pacientes odontológicos foram recrutados. O tipo de palato mole foi determinado. O reflexo de vômito subjetivo (auto-relatado) foi registrado com base em muitas perguntas e experiências anteriores e em um VAS de 0-6. A avaliação objetiva do reflexo de vômito foi feita por meio de diferentes manobras onde a parte posterior da língua e o palato mole foram tocados por espelho dental e por meio de moldagem da arcada superior. A associação entre os tipos de palato mole e o reflexo de vômito subjetivo e objetivo registrado foi testada estatisticamente. Resultados: houve 53 (53%), 33 (33%) e 14 (14%) participantes com palato mole classe I, classe II e classe III, respectivamente. Foi encontrada associação significativa entre o tipo de palato mole e o reflexo de vômito em resposta a um dos itens subjetivos (P= 0,039), mais proeminente no sexo feminino (P= 0,009). Em relação à avaliação objetiva, não foram encontradas associações significativas entre os homens. Enquanto isso, mais mulheres com classe II e classe III sofreram reflexo de vômito e/ou engasgo real ao receber a impressão (P = 0,001). Conclusão: este estudo ilustrou uma associação entre o tipo de palato mole e reflexo de vômito e sua gravidade em mulheres (mais especificamente palato mole tipos II e III) mais do que em homens. (AU)

Tratamento de papiloma de células escamosas, uma lesão exofítica: relato de caso / Treatment of squamous cell papilloma, an exophytic lesion: case report

O papilomavírus humano (HPV) é a doença sexualmente transmissível mais comum em todo o mundo, mais de 150 tipos de HPV já foram identificados, sendo que 25 tipos estão associados a lesões em cavidade oral e genital. O diagnóstico e tratamento precoce das lesões por HPV são importantes para um melhor prognóstico do paciente. O presente estudo objetiva relatar o caso clínico de uma paciente com papiloma de células escamosas. Trata-se portanto de um tumor benigno, onde o tratamento consiste na remoção completa da lesão com a devida margem de segurança. Recidivas são incomuns, contudo o paciente deve manter acompanhamento odontológico periódico, e encaminhado para acompanhamento médico(AU)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease worldwide, with more than 150 types of HPV identified. Among types, 25 of which are associated with lesions in the oral and genital cavity. Early diagnosis and treatment of HPV lesions are important for a better patient prognosis. The study aim to report the clinical case of a patient with squamous cell papilloma. It is, therefore, a benign tumor, where treatment consists of complete removal of the lesion with the necessary safety margin. Relapses are uncommon, but the patient must maintain periodic dental care and be referred for medical follow-up(AU)

Migratory stomatitis in soft palate - case report

Introduction: Migratory stomatitis is a benign disorder of unknown cause. Lesions are characterized by erythematous erosive areas with irregular gray-white borders. The margins are slightly protruding and resemble the contours of a geographic map. Lesions of migratory stomatitis can affect different anatomical regions. Objective: The objective of this work is to report a case of migratory stomatitis in the soft palate. Case report: A 20-year-old male presented with geographic tongue and migratory stomatitis in the soft palate. Conclusion: Migratory stomatitis can also affect atypical anatomical regions (such as the soft palate) of individuals without a history of stress and anxiety. (AU)

Cephalometric predictors of hypernasality and nasal air emission.

BACKGROUND: During times of increasingly recognized importance of interprofessional practices, professionals in Medicine, Dentistry, and Speech Pathology areas cooperate to optimize treatment of velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), after primary palatoplasty for correction of cleft palate. OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to compare velar length, velar thickness, and depth of the nasopharynx of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) with the presence, or absence, of hypernasality and nasal air emission; and to verify if the depth:length ratio, between nasopharynx and velum, would be predictive of consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (speech signs of VPD). METHODOLOGY: Cephalometric radiographs and outcome of speech assessment were obtained from 429 individuals, between 6 and 9 years of age, with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate. Velar length, velar thickness, depth of the nasopharynx, depth:length ratio, scores of hypernasality, and scores of nasal air emission were studied and compared; grouping the radiographs according to presence or absence of hypernasality and nasal air emission. RESULTS: For the group with speech signs of velopharyngeal dysfunction (those with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission), the velums were shorter and thinner; the nasopharynx was deeper and the depth:length ratio was larger than the group without hypernasality and nasal air emission. Velar length was significantly shorter in individuals with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (p<0.001) and with history of palatal fistula (p=0.032). Depth of nasopharynx was significantly greater in individuals with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (p<0.001). Depthlength ratio was significantly larger in individuals with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (p<0.001). A depth:length ratio larger than 0.93 was always associated with speech signs of VPD. CONCLUSION: Estimated with cephalometric radiographs, a depth:length ratio greater than 0.93, between the nasopharyngeal space and the velum, was 100% accurate in predicting hypernasality and nasal air emission after primary repair of unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Contradicción anestesiológica en una gestante con adenoma pleomórfico y alergia a los anestésicos locales / Anesthesiological contradiction in a pregnant woman with pleomorphic adenoma and allergy to local anesthetics

Introducción: El adenoma del paladar blando es frecuente en mujeres, aunado a los cambios fisiológicos que suceden durante el embarazo, es de presumir que la gestante puede presentar una vía aérea difícil. Objetivo: Describir el abordaje de la vía aérea en una gestante con adenoma del paladar blando. Presentación del caso: Se trata de una gestante de 20 años de edad con antecedentes patológicos personales de asma bronquial, alergia a los anestésicos locales, que presenta un adenoma en el paladar blando que impide ver la estructura de la orofaringe, Mallampatti IV, anunciada para procedimiento quirúrgico de urgencia para realizarle cesárea segmentaria anterior. Conclusiones: La embarazada presenta mayor incidencia de vía aérea difícil comparado con la población general, debido a los cambios fisiológicos que presenta en este periodo, si a ello se le adiciona la presencia de un tumor oro faríngeo que imposibilita la manipulación de la vía aérea, la evaluación preoperatoria y trazar una estrategia multidisciplinaria, constituyen los pilares para evitar complicaciones potencialmente fatales(AU)

Introduction: Adenoma of soft palate is frequent in women, together with the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. The pregnant woman is to be presumed to have a difficult airway. Objective: To describe the airway managment in a pregnant woman with adenoma of soft palate. Case presentation: This is a 20-year-old pregnant woman (Mallampati IV) with a personal pathological history of bronchial asthma and allergy to local anesthetics, who presents an adenoma of soft palate that avoids seeing the oropharynx structure, announced for emergency surgical procedure for an anterior segmental cesarean section. Conclusions: The pregnant woman has a higher incidence of difficult airway compared to the general population, due to the physiological changes that she presents in this period. If, apart from this situation, the presence is considered of an oropharyngeal tumor that makes it impossible to manipulate the airway, preoperative assessment and tracing a multidisciplinary strategy are the pillars to avoid potentially fatal complications(AU)

Potencial de transformación maligna de las lesiones blanquecinas bucales / Potential for malignant transformation of whitish oral lesions

Introducción: Las lesiones blanquecinas bucales con potencial maligno, son un grupo reconocible de enfermedades de las mucosas, que preceden a la aparición de cánceres invasivos de la cavidad bucal. Objetivo: Determinar el potencial de transformación maligna de las lesiones blanquecinas de la cavidad bucal. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, de enero del año 2016 hasta enero de 2020, de todos los pacientes que acudieron al servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial, con lesiones blanquecinas bucales. Las variables utilizadas fueron: edad, sexo, factores de riesgo, tiempo de evolución, sitio de la lesión, diagnóstico histológico y potencial de transformación maligna. Se exploró asociación mediante ji cuadrado. Resultados: Se encontraron lesiones con potencial de transformación maligna en el 24 por ciento de los mayores de 50 años, en el 24,3 por ciento de los hombres y en el 40 por ciento de pacientes con queilitis actínicas. El 83,3 por ciento fueron leucoplasias y entre ellas, el 20 por ciento con potencial de transformación maligna. Conclusiones: La leucoplasia es el diagnóstico histológico más común. Las lesiones con potencial de transformación maligna aumentan con la edad, son mayores en los hombres y en pacientes con queilitis actínicas. Los sitios anatómicos en que más aparecen son: paladar blando y labio superior; entre los factores de riesgo de mayor asociación está la exposición al sol(AU)

Introduction: Potentially malignant whitish oral lesions are a recognizable group of mucosal diseases that precede the appearance of invasive cancers of the oral cavity. Objective: To determine the potential malignant transformation of whitish lesions in the oral cavity. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried, from January 2016 to January 2020, of all patients who attended the Maxillofacial Surgery service with whitish oral lesions. The variables used were: age, sex, risk factors, time of evolution, and site of the lesion, histological diagnosis and potential for malignant transformation. To explore the association between categorical variables, the Chi square distribution was used. Results: Lesions with the potential for malignant transformation were found in 24 percent of those over 50 years of age, in 24,3 percent of men and in 40 percent of patients with actinic cheilitis. 83,3 percent were leukoplakia, and among them 20 percent with the potential for malignant transformation. Conclusions: Leukoplakia was the most common histological diagnosis. Lesions with the potential for malignant transformation increased with age, were greater in men and in actinic cheilitis patients. The anatomical sites in which they appeared most were on the soft palate and upper lip and among the risk factors with the greatest association was sun exposure(AU)

Airway patency in children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging using neck collars: a single center, randomized, double-blind, prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Maneuvers precluding the downward shift of the mandibula and providing slight extension of the head have been shown to increase upper airway dimensions. This study aimed to investigate the role of Neck Collars (NC) in maintaining airway patency during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination in a pediatric population aged between 0 and 16 years. METHODS: One hundred twenty-five children were recruited in this prospective study. Subjects were randomly assigned to NC group (NC+) or standard imaging group (NC-). Measurements of anteroposterior and transverse dimensions and cross-sectional area were performed to determine the upper airway size at three distinct levels: soft palate, base of the tongue, and tip of the epiglottis. RESULTS: The anteroposterior diameter and cross-sectional area at the levels of base of the tongue and soft palate were significantly higher in NC+ patients compared to NC- patients. However, anteroposterior dimensions and cross-sectional areas at the epiglottis level were similar in the two groups. When patients were analyzed according to age groups of 0-2, 2-8, and 8-16 years, the anteroposterior diameter and cross-sectional area at the levels of base of the tongue and soft palate were significantly higher in NC+ patients compared to NC- patients in all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study clearly demonstrates that the application of a NC may improve retropalatal end and retroglossal airway dimensions in a pediatric population undergoing MRI examination and receiving sedation in supine position.

[Essential palatal myoclonus. A pediatric case report]. / Mioclonía palatina esencial. Reporte de un caso pediátrico.

Essential palatal myoclonus is a rare neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements of the soft palate musculature causing objective-clicking tinnitus. The palatal myoclonus is classified in two forms, secondary and essential palatal myoclonus. Primary (essential) palatal myoclonus is the most common type in childhood. Normal computed tomography and magnetic resonance guide the diagnosis. Spontaneous resolution usually occurs in the essential type of palatal myoclonus. In this report, we present an 8-year-old child making rhythmic, rapid clicking noises from her throat with spontaneous resolution.

La mioclonía palatina esencial es una entidad otoneurológica rara. Se caracteriza por movimientos involuntarios de los músculos del paladar blando que causan un tinnitus objetivo. La mioclonía del paladar se clasifica en dos tipos: secundaria y primaria (mioclonía palatina esencial); esta última es más frecuente en pediatría. La tomografía computada y la resonancia magnética de cerebro normal orientan al diagnóstico. La mioclonía palatina esencial, generalmente, se resuelve en forma espontánea. Se presenta a una paciente de 8 años de edad con un "clic" rápido en forma rítmica en su boca que cedía en forma espontánea.

Functional analysis of the rat soft palate by real-time wireless electromyography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the function of the palatal muscles in vivo by real-time wireless electromyography in rats. The effects of palatal wounding were also analyzed. METHODS: Microelectrodes were implanted six rats; in the masseter muscle (two-rats) for comparison, in the unwounded soft palate (two-rats) and the soft palate that received a surgical wound (two-rats). Two weeks after implantation, a wound was made in the soft palate using a 1 mm biopsy-punch. Electromyographic measurements and video-recordings were taken weekly to monitor train-duration and peak-amplitude during eating, grooming and drinking. RESULTS: The train-duration of the masseter muscle during eating was 0.49 ±â€¯0.11 s (rat-1) and 0.56 ±â€¯0.09 s (rat-2), which was higher than during grooming. In the unwounded soft palate the train-duration during eating was 0.63 ±â€¯0.12 s (rat-1) and 0.69 ±â€¯0.069 s (rat-2), which was higher than during grooming and drinking. The peak-amplitude for eating in the normal soft palate before surgery was 0.31 ±â€¯0.001 mV (rat-1) and 0.33 ±â€¯0.02 mV (rat-2). This decreased to 0.23 ±â€¯0.03 mV and 0.25 ±â€¯0.11 mV respectively, after surgery. For drinking the peak-amplitude was 0.30 ±â€¯0.01 mV (rat-1) and 0.39 ±â€¯0.01 mV (rat-2) before surgery, which decreased to 0.23 ±â€¯0.09 mV and 0.20 ±â€¯0.14 mV respectively, after surgery. CONCLUSION: The reduced peak-amplitude suggests impaired soft palate function after wounding. This is the first study into the in vivo function of the soft palate after surgical wounding. This model will contribute to develop strategies to improve soft palate function in patients.

Cephalometric predictors of hypernasality and nasal air emission

Abstract During times of increasingly recognized importance of interprofessional practices, professionals in Medicine, Dentistry, and Speech Pathology areas cooperate to optimize treatment of velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), after primary palatoplasty for correction of cleft palate. Objective Our study aims to compare velar length, velar thickness, and depth of the nasopharynx of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) with the presence, or absence, of hypernasality and nasal air emission; and to verify if the depth:length ratio, between nasopharynx and velum, would be predictive of consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (speech signs of VPD). Methodology Cephalometric radiographs and outcome of speech assessment were obtained from 429 individuals, between 6 and 9 years of age, with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate. Velar length, velar thickness, depth of the nasopharynx, depth:length ratio, scores of hypernasality, and scores of nasal air emission were studied and compared; grouping the radiographs according to presence or absence of hypernasality and nasal air emission. Results For the group with speech signs of velopharyngeal dysfunction (those with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission), the velums were shorter and thinner; the nasopharynx was deeper and the depth:length ratio was larger than the group without hypernasality and nasal air emission. Velar length was significantly shorter in individuals with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (p<0.001) and with history of palatal fistula (p=0.032). Depth of nasopharynx was significantly greater in individuals with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (p<0.001). Depthlength ratio was significantly larger in individuals with consistent hypernasality and nasal air emission (p<0.001). A depth:length ratio larger than 0.93 was always associated with speech signs of VPD. Conclusion Estimated with cephalometric radiographs, a depth:length ratio greater than 0.93, between the nasopharyngeal space and the velum, was 100% accurate in predicting hypernasality and nasal air emission after primary repair of unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Determinación de factores relacionados al desarrollo de fístulas palatinas posterior a una palatoplastia primaria / Determination of factors related to the development of palatal fistula after a primary palatoplasty

INTRODUCCION. La fistula palatina es la persistencia de comunicación anormal entre la cavidad nasal y oral post palatoplastia, es la complicación frecuente con: alta morbilidad, problemas para la alimentación, articulación de las palabras inapropiada, halitosis hasta problemas psicosociales como baja autoestima y rechazo social. OBJETIVO. Determinar los factores asociados al desarrollo de fístula palatina. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional, analítico de casos y controles. De una población de 334 Historias Clínicas se tomó muestra de 89 en la Unidad de Plástica y Reconstructiva del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín de enero 2010 a julio 2019. Criterios de inclusión: datos de pacientes con paladar fisurado reparado por palatoplastia. Criterios de Exclusión: pacientes sin buen seguimiento postquirúrgico y con paladar hendido sin reparación quirúrgica. Los datos fueron obtenidos del sistema AS400, el análisis se realizó mediante el programa estadístico International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. RESULTADOS. El uso de ortopedia prequirúrgica (OR: 0,014; p<0,000) y la alimentación con leche materna (OR: 0,033; p<0,003) fueron factores protectores. DISCUSIÓN. La ortopedia prequirúrgica fue la mejor opción de moldeamiento en pacientes con hendiduras amplias para la aproximación de los segmentos óseos hendidos, como factor protector significativo se encontró a la lactancia materna exclusiva dato que coincide con el estudio de López YD., donde mencionó que produjo mayor estimulación para la fusión de las crestas palatinas a pesar de que no fue estadísticamente significativa. CONCLUSION. Los factores asociados al desarrollo de fístula palatina estadísticamente significativos fueron el uso de ortopedia prequirúrgica y la alimentación con leche materna, catalogados como protectores.

INTRODUCTION. Palatal fistula is the persistence of abnormal communication between the nasal and oral cavity post palatoplasty, it ́s the frequent complication with: high morbidity, feeding problems, inappropriate articulation of words, halitosis and psychosocial problems such as low self-esteem and social rejection. OBJECTIVE. Determine the factors associated with the development of palatal fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Observational, analytical case-control study. From a population of 334 Clinical Histories, a sample of 89 was taken in the Plastic and Reconstructive Unit of the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialty Hospital from january 2010 to july 2019. Inclusion criteria: data from patients with cleft palate repaired by palatoplasty. Exclusion Criteria: patients without good postsurgical follow-up and with a cleft palate without surgical repair. The data were obtained from the AS400 system, the analysis was performed using the International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistical program. RESULTS. The use of presurgical orthopedics (OR: 0,014; p<0,000) and feeding with breast milk (OR: 0,033; p<0,003) were protective factors. DISCUSSION. Presurgical orthopedics was the best molding option in patients with wide clefts for the approximation of the cleft bone segments, as a significant protective factor, exclusive breastfeeding was found, data that coincides with the study by López YD., where he mentioned that it produced greater stimulation for palatine ridge fusion although it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION. Statistically significant factors associated with the development of palatal fistula were the use of pre-surgical orthopedics and feeding with breast milk, classified as protective.