Evaluation of Nasal Patency Among Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Cleft Versus Non-Cleft Side

Objective: To evaluate the nasal patency using acoustic rhinometry (AR) in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and to ascertain the rhinological importance of the same. Methods: Eccovision Acoustic Rhinometer system was used for assessment of nasal cross-sectional area (CSA) and volume in 15 patients with UCLP. The CSA1, CSA2, and CSA3, which represent the CSA at the nasal valve area and anterior end of the inferior turbinate, the anterior half of the inferior turbinate and the anterior end of the middle turbinate, and the region of middle portion of middle turbinate, respectively, were compared on the cleft and non-cleft side. Results: The mean ± SD of CSA1, CSA2, and CSA3 as well as the overall nasal CSA were significantly higher on non-cleft side compared to cleft side ( P value < .001). The mean ± SD of nasal volume was also significantly higher in non-cleft side compared to cleft side ( P value < .001). Conclusions: The nasal patency among patients with UCLP demonstrates a range of impairments that can be objectively measured using acoustic rhinometry. The orthodontic, orthopedic, or orthosurgical management of maxillary deficiency in these patients can affect the nasal area and volume and can have an impact on breathing, speech, and sleep. The pretreatment assessment may be useful to identify patients who are at potential risk of deterioration of nasal patency and airway post-intervention. Taking into consideration the multiple diagnostic procedures in the course of long-term multidisciplinary treatment of patients with cleft lip and palate, a noninvasive investigation technique such as AR may be the preferred mode of investigation to ascertain nasal patency.