Longitudinal Follow-Up of Obstructive Sleep Apnea following Furlow Palatoplasty in Children with Cleft Palate: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Objective To longitudinally investigate the incidence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) following Furlow palatoplasty for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in children with cleft palate. Subjects Ten children, six boys and four girls, mean age 5.1 years, at Furlow palatoplasty. Design Prospective analysis. Main Outcome Measures Overnight polysomnographic studies were used to determine the incidence and severity of sleep apneas 1 day prior to Furlow palatoplasty, 1 week postoperatively, and approximately 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Results None of the patients suffered OSA prior to Furlow palatoplasty. A high incidence of mild OSA (100%) occurred during the early postoperative period (p < .001) but resolved within 3 months in all but two patients (20%). Only one OSA (10%) persisted 6 months postoperatively. Conclusions Furlow palatoplasty for VPI in children with cleft palate might induce temporary and mild OSA.