Recommendations and clinical experiences in neonatal intensive care monitoring of cleft palate patients

Abstract

Introduction: Cleft palate is a congenital craniofacial malformation, whose pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated. Most newborns with cleft palate require hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit. In the clinical management of these patients, specialized clinical approaches tailored to this specific patient group and interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial. Our study aimed to assess the hospitalization procedures of newborns with cleft palate in the neonatal intensive care unit and share valuable clinical insights from this experience. Through this research, we aim to contribute to the enhanced understanding and management of cleft palate cases in newborns, emphasizing the importance of specialized and interdisciplinary care. Materials and Methods: Between the years 2013-2021, newborns diagnosed with cleft palate and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were retrospectively analyzed in terms of gestational age, birth weight, duration of hospital stay, and additional anomalies. Results: One hundred thirty-five infants were diagnosed with cleft palate, among whom 46 (34%) had additional anomalies. Statistically significant differences were observed in parameters such as gestational age, birth weight, Small for Gestational Age (SGA), and duration of hospitalization when comparing these groups. Notably, in SGA newborns, the incidence of additional anomalies was higher. Following multinomial logistic regression analysis, it was found that hospitalization for more than one week was independently associated with the presence of an additional congenital anomaly. Conclusion: Cleft palate is a common congenital malformation often accompanied by additional deformities. Since issues related to nutrition and respiration can be present in most of these patients, close postnatal monitoring is crucial. Hence, managing patients admitted to the neonatal care unit involves early multidisciplinary assessment followed by a long-term clinical follow-up process, ensuring the healthy growth and development of these patients.