Developmental Risk for Infants with Cleft Lip with or Without Cleft Palate Based on Caregiver-Proxy Reports

Abstract

Objectives (1) Assess caregiver-reported development in infants born with cleft lip ± alveolus (CL ± A) and cleft lip and palate (CLP); (2) determine factors associated with increased developmental risk; and (3) determine consistency of developmental risk before and after surgery for cleft lip. Design Prospective, longitudinal assessment of development. Time (T) 1, prior to lip closure; T2, 2 months post lip closure. Setting Three US craniofacial teams and online parent support groups. Participants 123 total caregivers (96% mothers); 100 at T1, 92 at T2, and 69 at both T1 and T2. Measure Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3 (ASQ-3): Communication, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Problem Solving, Personal Social Domains. Results At T1 47%; at T2 42% passed all 5 Domains; 36% of infants pass all 5 Domains at both T1 and T2. Infants with CLP were at greatest risk on Communication [ B = 1.449 (CI = .149-20.079), p = .038; Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.3 (CI = .923-19.650)] and Gross Motor Domains [ B = 1.753 (CI = .316-20.605), p = .034; OR = 5.8 (CI = 1.162-28.671)]. Male infants were at greatest risk on Fine Motor [ B = 1.542 (CI = .495-20.005), p = .009; OR = 4.7 (CI = 1.278-17.101)] and Problem Solving Domains [ B = 1.200 (CI = .118-19.708), p = .044; OR = 3.3 (CI = .896-12.285)]. Conclusions Based on caregiver report, infants with CL ± A and CLP meet referral criteria at a high rate. Infants with CLP and male infants were at greatest risk. Regular developmental screening is recommended.