Factors influencing changes in maxillary arch dimensions in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients until six months of age

Objective: The objectives of the present study were (1) to investigate whet her growth increments until 6 months of age are influenced by particular fa ctors, (2) to analyze whether anterior cleft reduction is dependent on the extent of the cleft width at birth, and (3) to examine the correlation betw een maxillary measurements at birth and the anterior cleft width at 6 month s of age. Design:The study design was prospective and longitudinal. Setting: Heidelberg University Hospital Interdisciplinary Cleft/Craniofacia l Center. Patients and method: The longitudinal records of 34 patients (24 male and 1 0 female) with complete unilateral cleft lip, alveolar ridge, and hard and soft palate were included in this study, All patients were treated with the same protocol, All participants were assessed at 0 and 6 months of age. Ma xillary plaster casts of the patients were analyzed using a computer-contro lled three-dimensional digitizing system, Main outcome measure: Maxillary models were measured and compared to putati ve factors influencing growth. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between maxill ary growth changes and increases in weight and length. Similarly, there was no significant interaction between the extent of the alveolar cleft width at birth and its reduction prior to lip closure. in contrast, significant: differences of maxillary growth increments could be found between male and female patients, Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated a correlation be tween maxillary measurements at birth and growth increments. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that gender plays a certain r ole in growth changes within the first 6 months of age.