Laryngeal cleft type I in neonate: case report.
Laryngeal cleft (LC) is a congenital malformation that leads to the unusual communication between the esophagus and the laryngotracheal complex. It is a rare disease, mostly prevalent among male individuals. The goal of this study was to describe the evaluation and intervention by the speech language pathologist of a female newborn diagnosed with LC type I, admitted on the University Hospital of Universidade de São Paulo, in her second hospitalization due to small weight gain and pneumonia. She was submitted to a bedside clinical evaluation of the swallowing and the most important occurrence was frequent gagging. The videofluoroscopy swallowing study showed laryngotracheal aspiration level 8 for thin liquid and level 1 for thickened liquid, according to the Penetration-Aspiration Scale. The newborn was submitted to a microlaryngoscopy, in which the presence of LC type I was found. After the diagnosis, the speech language pathologist offered thickened liquid at 6% and, in 8 days, the newborn was discharged with exclusive oral diet without gagging. Eight outpatient consultations were carried out for 11 months, with emphasis on reintroduction of thin liquids. The treatment was discontinued and the patient was put on general diet for the age without modifications. Throughout follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic and showed no respiratory complications.
University Hospital, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Mirella Spinoso
MS
Rossi
University Hospital, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Karina Elena Bernardis
KE
Buhler
University Hospital, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Gabriel Alberto Brasil
GA
Ventura
University Hospital, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
José Pinhata
JP
Otoch
Department of Physical Therapy, Speech Language Pathology and Audiology and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Suelly Cecilia Olivan
SC
Limongi
D000328:Adult; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007830:Larynx / Q000002:abnormalities*; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology