Nika Zevnik
Univerzitetni rehabilitacijski inštitut Republike Slovenije – Soča, Ljubljana, Slovenija in Pedagoška fakulteta, Univerza v Ljubljani, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Andreja Eberlinc
Klinični oddelek za maksilofacialno in oralno kirurgijo, Kirurška klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Maja Šereg Bahar
Klinika za otorinolaringologijo in cervikofacialno kirurgijo, Univerzitetni klinični center, Ljubljana, Slovenija in Medicinska fakulteta, Univerza v Ljubljani, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Irena Hočevar Boltežar
Klinika za otorinolaringologijo in cervikofacialno kirurgijo, Univerzitetni klinični center, Ljubljana, Slovenija in Medicinska fakulteta, Univerza v Ljubljani, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

Background: Cleft palate, with or without lip and/or alveolar ridge cleft, is a congenital craniofacial anomaly that affects feeding from birth due to the open communication between the oral and nasal cavities. This study aims to examine the feeding difficulties experienced by children with cleft palate (CP) and cleft lip and palate (CLP), the extent to which these difficulties persist into toddlerhood, potential differences in the prevalence of feeding disorders between children with CP and CLP, and the characteristics of children who required alternative feeding methods. Methods: Data on feeding was collected through a questionnaire completed by parents of children born within the five years preceding the study. With written parental consent, the questionnaire data was supplemented with information from medical records. Results: The study included 98 children (41% of those invited), comprising 56 children with CP and 42 with CLP. The findings indicate that in approximately 10% of children with CP and CLP, feeding difficulties persisted beyond the age of two and, in some cases, even after the completion of surgical treatment in the third year of life. These children exhibited significantly greater challenges. Fourteen children required a nasogastric feeding tube for several months during their first year of life, while one child required a gastrostomy. The most significant factors associated with the need for alternative feeding methods were the presence of syndrome and CP. Overall, no significant differences in feeding difficulties were observed between children with CP and those with CLP. Conclusions: Identifying risk factors for the persistence of feeding difficulties into toddlerhood is essential for timely intervention. Adequate nutrition is fundamental for normal child development and has a direct impact on the overall quality of life.

Key words: cleft palate, cleft lip and palate, feeding disorder