Long-Term Speech Outcomes in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Comparative Study of Early and Delayed Hard Palate Closure.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Evidence on the comparative effectiveness of surgical protocols for cleft lip and palate remains limited, especially regarding long-term speech outcomes. Therefore, this study evaluates speech outcomes at 5, 12, and 22 years in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) to guide protocol selection.

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional study included 285 UCLP patients treated at 2 Dutch academic hospitals. Patients were assessed at 1 of 3 predefined ages (5, 12, or 22 y) during routine follow-up; only a minority were assessed at more than one time point. Four protocols with different timing for hard palate closure were compared: Late Delayed Hard Palate Closure Protocol (L-DHPCP), Early Delayed Hard Palate Closure Protocol (E-DHPCP), One-Stage Palatop

SUBMITTER: van Roey VL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12537028 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature