EUSTACHIAN-TUBE DYSFUNCTION AND ITS SEQUELAE IN PATIENTS WITH CLEFT-PALATE

The incidence of middle ear disorders in patients with cleft palate de formities was determined in a retrospective review of 110 children wit h palate or palate and lip involvement. Ages ranged from 2 months to 1 8 years and included patients with associated abnormalities such as Pi erre Robin syndrome and Treacher Collins syndrome. Clinical manifestat ions of eustachian tube dysfunction were found in 79% in the form of e ffusions, retraction pockets, adhesions, and ossicular erosion. Only t wo patients had confirmed cholesteatoma formation. Despite the low inc idence of acquired cholesteatoma in these patients, the frequent occur rence of other disorders that affect hearing warrants early and aggres sive otologic management to prevent long-term sequelae.