THE EFFECT OF VERY EARLY CLEFT-PALATE CLOSURE ON THE NEED FOR VENTILATION TUBES IN THE FIRST YEARS OF LIFE

The otologic consequences associated with cleft palates are well known , Closure of palatal clefts within the first weeks of life has many po tential benefits, including improved feeding and cosmesis. The potenti al otologic benefits of very early closure are not known. Eighteen new borns have undergone closure of their palatal clefts within the first month of life with subsequent otolaryngology follow-up through our cra niofacial center. Thirteen (72%) of the 18 still required placement of ventilation tubes during their first 3 years of life because of persi stent effusion (for more than 120 days) or recurrent infection (more t han four episodes in 6 months or more than six episodes in 12 months), Very early cleft palate closure may not significantly alter the need for ventilation tubes in children with palatal clefts.