Nasolabial Morphological Changes Post-Khon Kaen University Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding Therapy in Infants with Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of Khon Kaen University presurgical nasoalveolar molding (KKU PNAM) by evaluating nasolabial morphological changes in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using three-dimensional (3D) anthropometric measurements and comparing nasal morphology to age-matched noncleft controls.DesignA retrospective case series of infants with complete UCLP who underwent KKU PNAM therapy. Patients with complete 3D stereophotogrammetric records at initial (T₀) and pre-cheiloplasty (T₁) visits were included.SettingKhon Kaen University Cleft Lip and Palate CenterPatients/ParticipantsSixteen infants with complete UCLPInterventionsKKU PNAMMain Outcome MeasuresAnthropometric measurements of nasolabial tissue of infants with complete UCLP were compared between pre- (T₀) and post-PNAM treatment (T₁) and against age-matched noncleft controls at both time points.ResultsFrom T₀ to T₁, cleft-sided nostril height and columellar length, height, and angle increased significantly (0.85 mm, 0.83 mm, 1.54 mm, and 17.38 degrees, respectively). Conversely, cleft-sided nostril width, deviated alar base and columella, and vermilion gap significantly decreased (1.57, 1.04, 0.68, and 4.19 mm, respectively). The difference of nostril width and height between cleft and noncleft side was decreased. At T₀, alar base, subnasal, and nostril width, alongside the nostril and columellar height, differed from those of control infants. At T₁, the columellar height in the treatment cohort was comparable to that of the control. Other parameters remained significantly different; however, these differences decreased post treatment.ConclusionsKKU PNAM therapy improved nasolabial morphology and symmetry in patients with UCLP, suggesting its potential to facilitate successful future cheiloplasty.