This study examines nasoalveolar molding (NAM), a relatively new and highly controversial, pre-surgical treatment aimed at improving cosmetic and functional outcomes among children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) through early intervention at about one month of age. NAM is intended to reduce the severity of initial cleft deformity through the use of surgical tape, molding plates, and nasal stents. It has polarized professionals in the field of craniofacial habilitation because of the additional demands NAM care places on caregivers (parents) who have infants with CLP. For example, caregivers {(CGs)} are responsible for the daily care of the appliance, positioning of tape, and attending weekly clinic appointments for 3-5 months. Scant data exist, however, on the impact of NAM on family functioning. This research will examine caregivers'decision-making and responses to early cleft care in a prospective, longitudinal, quantitative and qualitative study of primary CGs of children with CLP at {four} renowned craniofacial centers: New York University (NYU), the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill (UNC), {Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA)}. This study will be the first to compare the stress and family cohesion of two CG groups: (Group 1- {(n~60)} CGs whose infants with CLP have NAM and standard cleft surgery;and Group 2- {(n~60)} CGs whose infants with CLP undergo standard cleft surgery only.
Our specific aims are: 1) To assess parental stress and family cohesion among CGs whose infants receive NAM and those CGs whose infants receive traditional cleft care using the Parent Stress Index (PSI) and Family Relationship Index of the Family Environment Scale (FES) and to compare the pattern of changes over time in PSI and FES, within and between the two treatment groups {while controlling for center and potential confounders like CG coping, depression, and optimism};and 2: To examine subjective responses to treatment-related decision-making and cleft care by conducting semi- structured interviews with CGs whose infants with CLP undergo NAM and CGs whose infants with CLP do not undergo NAM (i.e., traditional cleft care without NAM) and to compare the pattern of responses over time, within and between the two treatment groups. {We will explore the interrelationships among sociodemographic factors (e.g., number of children in the home, infants'birth order, insurance), clinical factors (e.g., extent of defect), caregiver characteristics (e.g., depression, anxiety, optimism) and possible site differences using quantitative and qualitative analyses. Data will be collected at three time points: initial clinic visit;pre-lip surgery;and post- secondary palate surgery. In addition to gaining insight into decision-making, responses to care, and the foundation of quality of life among families having children with cleft, this study may} help to identify potential interventions aimed at enhancing family well-being and health-related quality of life in cleft care.

Public Health Relevance

This study examines nasoalveolar molding (NAM), a relatively new and controversial, pre- surgical treatment aimed at improving cosmetic and functional outcomes among children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) through early intervention at about one month of age. Specifically, this study compares caregiver responses to early cleft care (NAM plus traditional cleft surgery versus traditional surgery). The findings will provide insight into the interrelationships among decision-making regarding medical treatment, caregiver psychosocial characteristics, extent of defect, demographic variables, contextual factors and parental stress.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21DE021853-01A1
Application #
8244206
Study Section
Behavioral Medicine, Interventions and Outcomes Study Section (BMIO)
Program Officer
Riddle, Melissa
Project Start
2012-03-01
Project End
2014-02-28
Budget Start
2012-03-01
Budget End
2013-02-28
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$271,816
Indirect Cost
$93,195
Name
New York University
Department
Dentistry
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
041968306
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10012
Broder, Hillary L; Flores, Roberto L; Clouston, Sean et al. (2016) Surgeon's and Caregivers' Appraisals of Primary Cleft Lip Treatment with and without Nasoalveolar Molding: A Prospective Multicenter Pilot Study. Plast Reconstr Surg 137:938-45
Sischo, Lacey; Clouston, Sean A P; Phillips, Ceib et al. (2016) Caregiver responses to early cleft palate care: A mixed method approach. Health Psychol 35:474-82
Sischo, Lacey; Broder, Hillary L; Phillips, Ceib (2015) Coping With Cleft: A Conceptual Framework of Caregiver Responses to Nasoalveolar Molding. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 52:640-50
Rubin, Marcie S; Clouston, Sean; Ahmed, Mohammad M et al. (2015) Assessment of presurgical clefts and predicted surgical outcome in patients treated with and without nasoalveolar molding. J Craniofac Surg 26:71-5
Sischo, Lacey; Chan, Jenny W; Stein, Margot et al. (2011) Nasoalveolar Molding: Prevalence of Cleft Centers Offering NAM and Who Seeks It. Cleft Palate Craniofac J :