Nutrition Screening for Improved Recovery After Cleft Repair

Cleft lip and palate are common craniofacial birth defects affecting approximately one in 700 live births. Early intervention via surgical repair can improve appearance, speech, hearing, and psychosocial development. Models for fast identification and surgical intervention for affected infants and children, including models from not-for-profit and charity organizations have been introduced, leading to increased access to surgical repair across the globe. However, there is a need for preoperative nutrition assessment to ensure identified pediatric patients will have successful recovery from surgical intervention and will not face postoperative complications.

Researchers at Rutgers have developed a nutrition screening algorithm based on a comprehensive review of clinical studies and guidelines on cleft lip/palate nutritional needs and surgical outcomes. Currently, there are no evidence-based recommendations nor assessments for screening children prior to cleft repair, and no easy tools to use in areas of greatest need. This questionnaire would be used to screen children before cleft lip and/or palate surgery to ensure adequate nutrition status and minimize the risk of postoperative complications. It incorporates clinical, anthropometric, physical, and biochemical factors for a complete evaluation. This assessment and algorithm fill an important clinical gap and will be available for clinicians to use worldwide.

Market Applications:

• Clinical decision support in clinical settings for preoperative assessment before cleft lip and palate surgical intervention

Advantages:

• Comprehensive, evidence-based assessment
• Easy to use in field-based assessment settings with limited resources
• Accessible online