Nasolabial Morphological Changes Post-Khon Kaen University Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding Therapy in Infants with Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

Abstract

Objective

To assess the efficacy of Khon Kaen University presurgical nasoalveolar molding (KKU PNAM) by evaluating nasolabial morphological changes in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using three-dimensional (3D) anthropometric measurements and comparing nasal morphology to age-matched noncleft controls.

Design

A retrospective case series of infants with complete UCLP who underwent KKU PNAM therapy. Patients with complete 3D stereophotogrammetric records at initial (T₀) and pre-cheiloplasty (T₁) visits were included.

Setting

Khon Kaen University Cleft Lip and Palate Center

Patients/Participants

Sixteen infants with complete UCLP

Interventions

KKU PNAM

Main Outcome Measures

Anthropometric measurements of nasolabial tissue of infants with complete UCLP were compared between pre- (T₀) and post-PNAM treatment (T₁) and against age-matched noncleft controls at both time points.

Results

From T₀ to T₁, cleft-sided nostril height and columellar length, height, and angle increased significantly (0.85 mm, 0.83 mm, 1.54 mm, and 17.38 degrees, respectively). Conversely, cleft-sided nostril width, deviated alar base and columella, and vermilion gap significantly decreased (1.57, 1.04, 0.68, and 4.19 mm, respectively). The difference of nostril width and height between cleft and noncleft side was decreased. At T₀, alar base, subnasal, and nostril width, alongside the nostril and columellar height, differed from those of control infants. At T₁, the columellar height in the treatment cohort was comparable to that of the control. Other parameters remained significantly different; however, these differences decreased post treatment.

Conclusions

KKU PNAM therapy improved nasolabial morphology and symmetry in patients with UCLP, suggesting its potential to facilitate successful future cheiloplasty.