Late diagnosis of the cleft palate (CP) could initially result in feeding and growth impairment, and subsequently speech and hearing problems later in life. Your child may be affected in a number of ways by their cleft. It's not easily visible, but early feeding and swallowing problems can be an indication of a submucous cleft palate. Its Effects on Development. A submucous cleft affects the uvula, which is the long tissue that hangs from the back of the palate. Speech therapy is adjunctive and required for optimal outcomes. Cleft palate only (CPO) is a common congenital malformation, and most patients are diagnosed within the first weeks after birth. Speech difficulties are usually the first sign of this condition. Children are kept in the hospital for observation for 23 hrs similarly to a typical cleft palate repair. Frequent middle ear infections, nasal speech, and early feeding difficulties may be the first indicators that a child has a submucosal cleft palate.. A submucosal cleft palate (SMCP) results from a lack of normal fusion of the muscles within the soft palate as the baby is developing in utero. We suggest that the diagnosis of submucous cleft palate be included in the differential diagnosis of feeding difficulties, with early referral to a specialist cleft palate team. Submucous cleft palate surgical repair involves reconstruction of the levator muscle to allow for proper closure of the nose during feeding and speech and is often performed around 10-11 months of age. Submucous cleft palate is a missed or forgotten diagnosis. The cleft also goes under part or all of the mucous membrane covering the soft palate (also called velum). How can a submucous cleft palate be identified? We reviewed 81 patients with submucous cleft palate seen over a 15 year period; 26 of these patients were interviewed. This type of cleft often goes unnoticed at birth and may not be diagnosed until later when signs develop. The patients were divided into three main groups according to the referral pattern. risk as an obvious cleft of the palate. What causes a submucous cleft palate? In severe cases, the submucous cleft can extend under both the soft and hard palate. Submucous cleft palate. A … When a submucous cleft is present, the muscles of the soft palate may not function properly which places the individual at risk for speech problems, middle ear disease, and swallowing difficulties. Full text Get a printable copy (PDF file) of the complete article (452K), or click on a page image below to browse page by page. Any baby with a cleft palate needs to have their hearing monitored closely — a hearing assessment should generally be arranged Other symptoms may include persistent middle ear disease and feeding/swallowing difficulties. Sir, submucous cleft palate can be defined as the abnormal attachment of the palatal muscles with intact oral and nasal mucosa. See hearing problems for more information. What are the effects of submucous cleft palate? 4 | Cleft lip and palate information—Cleft palate How will a cleft affect my child? 1 This produces functional difficulties for … When there is a cleft of the palate, we need to monitor a number ofimportant areas: feeding, speech, hearing and teeth. Hearing problems associated with cleft palate are usually a result of fluid in the middle ear. The most common reason that a child is evaluated for a submucous cleft palate is abnormal nasal speech. Often a submucous cleft palate is associated with a cleft (or “bifid”) uvula. Usually an isolated defect, a submucous cleft sometimes occurs with a cleft lip or a bifid uvula, which is a split in the finger-like projection that extends from the soft palate. Thiswillgenerally be influenced by the severity of the cleft. Children may also have had difficulty feeding as a baby and have suffered from glue ear. Less commonly, a cleft occurs only in the muscles of the soft palate (submucous cleft palate), which are at the back of the mouth and covered by the mouth's lining. Cleft lip and palate information—Cleft palate | 5 Hearing Children with a cleft palate are prone to hearing difficulties. Sir, submucous cleft palate can be defined as the abnormal attachment of the palatal muscles with intact oral and nasal mucosa. Sometimes it is possible to diagnose a submucous cleft palate by looking and feeling inside the mouth.