89 - Predicting Success with Nasoalveolar Molding Therapy

Abstract: Title: Predicting Success with Nasoalveolar Molding Therapy
Authors: Gaillard, RL, Uston, KA, Thomas, JE, Waters, BR and Shirley, JC
Affiliation: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA

Purpose: The central objectives of this retrospective chart review and voluntary questionnaire are: 1) to identify barriers to completing nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy, 2) to determine predictive factors that lead to NAM therapy success and failure and 3) to assess caregiver experience and satisfaction with NAM therapy at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Children’s) Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Disorders.

Methods: The study consists of a retrospective chart review and a voluntary questionnaire completed by a primary caregiver of NAM therapy patients treated at Children’s Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Disorders between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2023. Information was obtained from EpicTM and DentrixTM, Children’s electronic medical and dental record systems. The caregiver survey was administered, and data was analyzed using the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) system.

Results: Caregivers that became comfortable with inserting and taping the NAM appliance over time were more likely to complete therapy (p=0.008). Additionally, those that felt that the NAM appliance improved the esthetic surgical outcome were more likely to complete NAM therapy (p= 0.012 for lip and p= 0.041 for nose). Preterm births were a negative predictor for NAM therapy completion (p=0.016).

Conclusion: Preterm infants face more barriers to successfully completing NAM therapy. Compliance may improve when caregivers are motivated by esthetic surgical outcomes and comfort level with appliance is increased.