Laryngeal histologic findings in infants with palatal defects with or without craniofacial malformations

The objective of this study was to determine whether specimens from infants with palatal defects (PDs) with or without craniofacial malformations (CFMs) exhibit aberrant laryngeal histologic findings compared with specimens from normal infants. Ten laryngeal specimens from infants with PDs with or without CFMs were histologically compared with 7 laryngeal specimens defined as normal from the same collection. Both groups were similar in terms of demographics and airway manipulation. All infants were prelingual. Comparisons were made at 3 levels: supraglottic, glottic, and subglottic. Histologically, no significant differences in primary laryngeal structures were found between the PD with or without CFM group and the group defined as normal. Acquired and intubation-type injuries, such as inflammation, ulceration, capillary congestion, and scar tissue, were more prevalent and severe in the study group. The primary laryngeal histologic findings of specimens from individuals with PDs with or without CFMs do not differ substantially from those from normal individuals; however, individuals with PDs do appear to be somewhat more susceptible to intubation injury and other acquired laryngeal injury. Meticulous airway management is essential.