Middle ear disease in children with submucous cleft palate

Objectives: The incidence of otitis media with effusion (OME) in those with submucous cleft palate (SMCP) is currently unclear with few published studies worldwide. We wished to establish the incidence in an Australian population. Method: Twenty cases of SMCP who had reached the age of twelve years underwent case note review to establish the incidence of middle ear disease of sufficient severity to warrant surgical intervention. Results: 12/15 cases who had their cleft diagnosed by five years of age required at least one surgical intervention, while none of the five cases presenting after twelve years of age required intervention. Conclusion: OME would appear to be very common in young children with SMCP and we recommend that all children with this diagnosis undergo regular specialist Otolaryngological assessment.