Evaluating the Respiratory Muscle Function in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate: Maximal Inspiratory and Expiratory Pressure Analysis.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the respiratory muscle strength in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and correlate with airway dimensions.DesignCross-sectional.SettingThe study was conducted at a Sri Ramachandra Dental College and hospital in India.ParticipantsAdult patients were divided into three groups with eleven participants in each group. Group 1 comprised patients with CLP who had undergone alveolar bone grafting (ABG) but without maxillary expansion. Group 2 comprised patients with CLP, who had undergone ABG and maxillary expansion. Group 3 patients formed the control group which comprised non-CLP, Class I skeletal base patients.Main OutcomeSpirometric tests were performed, and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) were measured.ResultsMean MIP values for group 1, group 2, and group 3 were 2.5 ± 1.2 kPa, 5.6 ± 1.9 kPa, and 6.0 ± 1.9 kPa while MEP values were 4.1 ± 1.4 kPa, 6.2 ± 1.4 kPa, and 6.6 ± 1.9 kPa, respectively. Patients who had undergone ABG, but not maxillary expansion (Group 1) had statistically significant lesser MIP and MEP values (P <.001*). The mean peak expiratory flow and forced expiratory volume (FEV1) values were also decreased in group 1 but were not statistically significant (P >.05). Pharyngeal volume also decreased in patients with CLP. (P <.05). A positive, statistically significant correlation was found between nasopharyngeal volume (NPV) and MIP (R = 0.53) and NPV and MEP (R = 0.44) (P <.05*).ConclusionThis research provides conclusive evidence that patients with CLP have respiratory muscle weakness. This may result in functional deficits. The interdisciplinary team should plan the treatment accordingly.