Can objective measurements of nasal form and function represent the clinical picture in unilateral cleft lip and palate?

Summary Background The aim of the current study was to evaluate potential correlations between objective measurements of nasal function and self-assessed nasal symptoms or clinical findings at nasal examination respectively, among adults treated for unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Methods All UCLP patients born 1960 and 1987 (n=109), treated at a tertiary referring center, were invited. Participation rate was 76 % (n=83) at a mean of 37 years after the initial surgery. All participants completed the same study protocol including Acoustic rhinometry (AR), Rhinomanometry (RM), Anterior rhinoscopy and questionnaires regarding self-experienced nasal symptoms. Results A reduced volume of the anterior nasal cavity on the operated side (measured by AR) correlated to an expressed wish by the patient to change the function of the nose. A similar correlation was seen for the minimal cross-sectional area of anterior nasal cavity on the operated side. Furthermore correlations were found between smaller volume and area of nasal cavity and a greater frequency of nasal obstruction. No further correlations were found. Conclusion Objective measurements partly correlates to the clinical picture among adults treated for UCLP. However these need to be combined with findings at clinical examination as well as patient self-assessment in order to represent the full clinical picture.