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 whether growth increments until 6 months of age are influenced by particular factors, (2) to analyze whether anterior cleft reduction is dependent on the extent of the cleft width at birth, and (3) to examine the correlation between maxillary measurements at birth and the anterior cleft width at 6 months of age.
Design: The study design was prospective and longitudinal.
Setting: Heidelberg University Hospital Interdisciplinary Cleft/Craniofacial Center.
Patients and Method: The longitudinal records of 34 patients (24 male and 10 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. Maxillary plaster casts of the patients were analyzed using a computer-controlled three-dimensional digitizing system.
Main Outcome Measure: Maxillary models were measured and compared to putative factors influencing growth.
Results: No statistically significant differences were found between maxillary 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 between maxillary measurements at birth and growth increments.
Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that gender plays a certain role in growth changes within the first 6 months of age.