Short term follow-up of nasolabial growth in patients with cleft lip and palate treated with nasoalveolar molding

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the short-term longitudinal nasolabial changes of patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CUCLP) treated with nasoalveolar molding (NAM) and primary cheilorhinoplasty and to compare the nasolabial characteristics with that of healthy individuals. The study group comprised 20 patients with CUCLP (mean age: 20.60 ± 9.00 months) whereas the control group included 12 children without UCLP (mean age: 20.83 ± 8.96 months). Three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetric records of the study group were taken at the first visit after primary surgeries (T0) and approximately 1 year after the first record (T1). Same records were taken at a similar time interval in the control group. Nasolabial measurements were performed on 3D facial images and statistical tests were performed. At T0, on the cleft side, nostril width and perimeter, alar length and width were significantly greater whereas upper lip transversal length, philtrum and medial lip height were shorter in the UCLP group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Nasal tip protrusion and projection angle were higher in the UCLP group (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). Cleft side nostril height and columella inclination did not differ between groups (p>0.05). Nasal base width, alar length, nostril width and height ratios showed significant asymmetry in the UCLP group (p<0.01). At T1, significant nasolabial growth changes occurred and the differences between groups observed at T0 were mostly maintained. No significant difference was seen in upper lip transvers length C and columella inclination between UCLP and control groups (p>0.05). From T0 to T1, comparable growth changes occurred in both groups. To conclude, children with UCLP had flatter facial profile and more asymmetry in the nasolabial region compared to healthy children. During 1 year of observation period following primary treatments, the nasolabial growth of the patients with UCLP was similar to normal growth, without any relapse.