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Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 1998;78:F29-F32 doi:10.1136/fn.78.1.F29
  • Original article

Deformation of the palate in preterm infants

  1. Annie M Proctera,
  2. Diane Lethera,
  3. Richard G Oliverb,
  4. Patrick HT Cartlidgea
  1. aDepartment of Child Health, bDepartment of Child Dental Health, University of Wales College of Medicine
  1. Dr Annie M Procter Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff. CF4 4XN.
  • Accepted 21 July 1997

Abstract

AIM To investigate the effect of gestation, postmenstrual age, and orotracheal intubation on palate morphology.

METHODS A prospective study was made of 76 newborn infants of 25 to 41 weeks’ gestation. Palate dimensions were measured on plaster models produced from serial palatal impressions. Palate size relative to that of the mouth was assessed using a ratio of palate depth to palate width (Palatal Index).

RESULTS Palate depth and width were related to postmenstrual age and gestation. Palatal Index ranged from 0.15 to 0.57, indicating a wide variation in palate shape, but gestation and postmenstrual age had no effect. Prolonged intubation had a small effect, equivalent to an increase in palatal depth of less than 2 mm at 32 weeks’ postmenstrual age. The effect was transient.

CONCLUSION Prolonged orotracheal intubation (>10 days) leads to a small and temporary increase in palatal depth. However, this is unlikely to account for palatal grooving, which is probably caused by an overgrowth of the lateral palatine ridges.

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