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.

Influence of speech stimuli in the auditory perceptual identification of hypernasality in individuals with cleft lip and palate. / Influência de estímulos de fala na identificação perceptivo-auditiva da hipernasalidade em indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of speech stimuli in the auditory perceptual identification of hypernasality in individuals with Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP). METHODS: Speech samples from 80 individuals with operated unilateral CLP, ages ranged from nine to 17 years (the mean age of: 12y7m), both genders, were edited for this study. Samples were recorded over the production of nine different speech stimuli, including counting and short sentences characterized by oral sounds, one loaded with low pressure consonants and seven loaded with high pressure consonants. Three speech-language pathologists rated the presence or absence of hypernasality while analyzing 864 recordings (80 individuals X 9 stimuli + 144 repeated recordings, for measuring the intra-rater agreement). Intra-rater and inter-rater indexes of agreement were established for all nine stimulus conditions. The indexes of inter-rater agreement were compared using the Z test (p<0.005), with samples comprising significant indexes of agreement interpreted as better stimuli for identifying the hypernasality in these individuals. RESULTS: Intra-rater agreement for high pressure stimuli with voiced consonants were significantly lower than indexes for other stimuli. Inter-rater agreement between each pair of SLPs ranged from 0.11 (plosive voicing stimuli) to 0.57 (12 short sentences, one of each high pressure consonant). The values of mean inter-rater agreement between all SLPs was 0.47 indicating moderate agreement for identifying hypernasal speech. CONCLUSION: Speech recordings obtained over the production of longer speech samples including 12 short sentences, for instance one for each high pressure consonant, may favor inter-rater agreement for identifying hypernasality.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a influência de estímulos de fala distintos na identificação perceptivo-auditiva da hipernasalidade em indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina operada (FLP). MÉTODO: Foram editadas amostras de fala gravadas em áudio de 80 indivíduos com FLP unilateral operada, de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 9 e 17 anos (média=12 anos e 7 meses). As amostras foram gravadas durante a produção de 9 estímulos de fala distintos: contagem de números e conjuntos de frase orais, sendo 1 constituído por consoantes de baixa pressão e 7 constituídos por consoantes de alta pressão. Três fonoaudiólogas identificaram a presença ou ausência da hipernasalidade ao analisarem 864 gravações (80 indivíduos X 9 estímulos + 144 gravações repetidas para análise de concordância intra-avaliador). Os índices de concordância intra e interavaliadores foram estabelecidos para todos os 9 estímulos de fala e comparados entre si por meio do Teste Z, com nível de significância de 5%, com maiores índices de concordância interpretados como melhores estímulos para identificação da hipernasalidade. RESULTADOS: Índices de concordância intra-avaliadores de estímulos de fala vozeados foram significativamente menores do que outros estímulos. Índices de concordância entre os pares de fonoaudiólogas variaram de 0,11 (concordância estímulos plosivos vozeados) a 0,57 (12 frases, uma com cada consoante de alta pressão), com média de 0,47 entre as três avaliadoras, indicando concordância moderada para identificação da hipernasalidade. CONCLUSÃO: Gravações de fala obtidas durante a produção de estímulos mais longos, incluindo 12 frases, uma com cada consoante de pressão, podem favorecer a concordância interavaliador na identificação da hipernasalidade.

Application of data mining to extract knowledge about the occurrence of fistulas after palatoplasty / Aplicação de mineração de dados para extração de conhecimento sobre ocorrência de fístulas após palatoplastia

Introduction: Data mining techniques expand access to important information for the decision-making process during health care. The objective the study proposes using data mining techniques to identify variables (surgical treatment protocols, patient characteristics, post-surgical complications) associated with fistulas after primary palatoplasty in patients with unilateral transforamen incisor cleft (UTIC). Method: A data set of 222 patients with UTIC without syndromes, operated by four surgeons with Furlow's or von Langenbeck's primary palatoplasty techniques, was analyzed for this study. Two models for detecting the outcome of surgery were induced using data mining techniques (Decision Tree and Apriori). Results: Five rules were selected from a decision tree pointing to some variables as predictors of fistulas associated with primary palatoplasty: infection, cough, hypernasality, and surgeon. Analysis of the model indicates that it correctly classifies 95.9% of occurrences between the absence and presence of fistulas. The second model indicates that the absence of post-surgical complications (infection and fever) and normal speech results (absent hypernasality, without suggestive of velopharyngeal dysfunction) are related to the absence of fistulas. Regarding surgical procedures, the Furlow technique and the Vomer flap were more frequent in patients with fistulas. Conclusion: Data mining techniques, as applied in the present study, pointed to infection and cough, hypernasality, and surgeon and surgical techniques as predictors of fistulas related to primary palatoplasty.

Introdução: As técnicas de mineração de dados ampliam o acesso a informações importantes para o processo de tomada de decisão durante os cuidados com a saúde. O objetivo do estudo propõe a utilização de técnicas de mineração de dados para identificar variáveis (protocolos de tratamento cirúrgico, características do paciente, intercorrências pós-cirúrgicas) associadas à ocorrência de fístulas após palatoplastia primária em pacientes com fissura transforame incisivo unilateral (FTIU). Método: Um conjunto de dados de 222 pacientes com FTIU sem síndromes, operados por quatro cirurgiões com as técnicas de palatoplastia primária de Furlow ou von Langenbeck, foi analisado para este estudo. Dois modelos para detecção do resultado da cirurgia foram induzidos usando técnicas de mineração de dados (Árvore de Decisão e Apriori). Resultados: Cinco regras foram selecionadas de uma árvore de decisão apontando para algumas variáveis como preditivas de fístulas associadas à palatoplastia primária: infecção, tosse, hipernasalidade, cirurgião. A análise do modelo indica que ele classifica corretamente 95,9% das ocorrências entre ausência e presença de fístulas. O segundo modelo indica que a ausência de intercorrências pós-cirúrgicas (infecção e febre) e resultado de fala normal (hipernasalidade ausente, sem sugestivo de disfunção velofaríngea) estão relacionados à ausência de fístulas. Em relação aos procedimentos cirúrgicos, o uso da técnica de Furlow e retalho de Vomer foram mais frequentes nos pacientes com fístulas. Conclusão: Técnicas de mineração de dados, conforme aplicadas no presente estudo, apontaram para infecção e tosse, presença de hipernasalidade, cirurgião e técnica cirúrgica como preditores de fístulas relacionadas à palatoplastia primária.

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.

Aplicativo móvel ''Fala nova, treino fácil'': inovação no tratamento de fala na fissura labiopalatina / Mobile application '' New speech, easy training '': innovation in the treatment of cleft palate speech

Introdução: durante a fonoterapia para alterações de fala na fissura labiopalatina, há necessidade de estratégias que motivem o paciente promovendo adesão ao tratamento. Aplicativos de dispositivos móveis são uma importante ferramenta para este fim. Objetivo: desenvolver um aplicativo que auxilie na execução dos treinos e o uso do novo padrão de fala de pacientes com fissura labiopalatina. Métodos: a criação e a execução de um aplicativo de dispositivo móvel foram planejadas pela equipe de Fonoaudiologia que elegeu as opções que auxiliariam no processo terapêutico como: cadastrar lista de exercícios, inserir alertas para uso do novo padrão de fala e apresentar lista dos exercícios realizados. Já a equipe de computação realizou elaborou e aprimorou o sistema, levantou e organizou requisitos iniciais e genéricos, planejou o desenvolvimento e uso dos recursos (hardware e software). Resultados: o aplicativo desenvolvido para o sistema android e foi denominado ''Fala nova, treino fácil''. Para sua utilização o paciente deve fazer download do aplicativo na "play store''. A primeira tela do aplicativo apresenta três ícones, sendo um de acesso apenas do terapeuta e dois de interesse do paciente, informando os exercícios a serem realizados e sua evolução. O fonoaudiólogo tem a opção de cadastrar cada exercício (frequência diária e semanal), cadastrar alarmes para lembrar o paciente de utilizar a nova fala, e checar o desempenho do paciente. Conclusão: o aplicativo possibilita o monitoramento dos treinos realizados fora do atendimento presencial, motivando o paciente a dar continuidade à prática da fala nova fora do ambiente de terapia.

Introduction: during cleft palate speech therapy there is a need for strategies that motivate the patient and promote adherence to treatment. Mobile apps are an important tool for this purpose. Objective: To develop an application to help execution of speech exercises fostering use of new speech patterns established during speech therapy in cleft lip and palate. Methods: the creation and execution of a mobile device application were planned by the Speech-Language-Pathology team, who proposed functions for the App that would help in the therapeutic process, including: registry of exercises, inserting alerts for use of the new speech and checklist of activities. The computer team developed and improved the system, raised and organized its requirements, planned the development and use of resources (hardware and software). Results: the application was developed for the Android system and has been called ''New Speech, Easy Training''. To access the App, the patient downloads the application in the play store in the Android system of his phone or tablet. The first screen presents three icons: one for the therapist and two for the patient, informing the exercises and their evolution. The therapist can register each exercise (daily and weekly frequency), can program alarms to remind the patient to use the new speech, and can check the patient's performance. Conclusion: the application favors monitoring patients' performance during the home practices, motivating the patient to continue the use of new speech outside the therapy environment.

Ambiente virtual de aprendizagem: contribuições da terapia ocupacional a pais e familiares na assistência de crianças com anomalias craniofaciais / Virtual learning environment: occupational therapy contributions to parents and families caring for children with craniofacial abnormalities

[{"text": "Introdução: As fissuras labiopalatinas estão entre as malformações de maior incidência entre as anomalias\r\ncongênitas. O Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais da Universidade de São Paulo, em Bauru, assiste a essa clientela de toda a América Latina por meio de uma equipe interdisciplinar de referência. Como o tratamento adequado demanda vários anos de intervenção e cuidados, as famílias das crianças com esse tipo de anomalia acabam se deparando com barreiras de caráter financeiro e geográfico que dificultam o acesso à terapia. Diante disso, o uso de ferramentas digitais na comunicação entre profissionais da saúde e os responsáveis pelos pacientes é um potencial recurso na transmissão de conhecimento. Objetivo: Criar e avaliar um ambiente virtual de aprendizagem sobre o desenvolvimento de crianças com anomalias craniofaciais, usando técnicas de terapia ocupacional. Método: Foi criado um ambiente virtual (website) usando e adaptando o Health-Related Web Site Evaluation Form Emory. O website foi então avaliado por cinco terapeutas ocupacionais e cinco fonoaudiólogos e o resultado foi submetido à análise descritiva e tratamento quanti-qualitativo, também usando as características e formas de análise do Emory. Resultados: A qualidade do site foi considerada "Adequada" por 81,1% dos avaliadores, enquanto o conteúdo por faixa etária foi considerado "Excelente" por 94,3%. Conclusão: O uso do ambiente virtual no tratamento de\r\ncrianças com fissuras labiopalatinas foi relevante, mostrando-se adequado e com conteúdo excelente ao fim ao qual se destina. Isso indica, portanto, que o desenvolvimento tecnológico pode beneficiar processos terapêuticos e facilitar o acesso a este tratamento específico.", "_i": "pt"}, {"text": "Introduction: Cleft lip and palate are among the most prevalent congenital malformations in mankind.\r\nThe Craniofacial Anomalies Rehabilitation Hospital of the University of São Paulo in Bauru provides assistance for these patients from all over Latin America through a reference interdisciplinary team. The treatment requires several years of intervention and care; parents and caregivers end up facing financial and geographical hurdles to access this care. Thus, the use of virtual tools to improve the communication between health care providers and the adults responsible for children with cleft lip and palate is a potential resource to pass on knowledge. Objective: To create and evaluate a virtual learning environment for the development of children with craniofacial anomalies using occupational therapy techniques. Method: A virtual environment (website) was created using an adapted version of the Health-Related Web Site Evaluation Form Emory and then evaluated by five occupational therapists and five speech therapists. The result was subjected to descriptive and quantitative-qualitative treatment, also using\r\nthe Emory's characteristics and way of analysis. Results: The quality of the website was considered "Adequate" by 81.1% of the respondents and its content according to age groups was considered "Excellent" by 94.3% of the respondents. Conclusion: The use of a virtual environment was relevant since it proved to be adequate and to have an excellent content for which it is intended. This result reinforces the idea that technology can benefit therapeutic processes and increase access to this specific treatment.", "_i": "en"}]