Longitudinal Follow-Up of Obstructive Sleep Apnea following Furlow Palatoplasty in Children with Cleft Palate: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Objective

To longitudinally investigate the incidence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) following Furlow palatoplasty for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in children with cleft palate.

Subjects

Ten children, six boys and four girls, mean age 5.1 years, at Furlow palatoplasty.

Design

Prospective analysis.

Main Outcome Measures

Overnight polysomnographic studies were used to determine the incidence and severity of sleep apneas 1 day prior to Furlow palatoplasty, 1 week postoperatively, and approximately 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

None of the patients suffered OSA prior to Furlow palatoplasty. A high incidence of mild OSA (100%) occurred during the early postoperative period (p < .001) but resolved within 3 months in all but two patients (20%). Only one OSA (10%) persisted 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

Furlow palatoplasty for VPI in children with cleft palate might induce temporary and mild OSA.

Keywords

Furlow palatoplasty obstructive sleep apnea polysomnography

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