It's Time to Define the Global Burden of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency.

Abstract

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) predominantly affects children with cleft palate, undermining their ability to communicate. As a result, intelligible speech generation is one of the most important outcomes following cleft palate repair. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the elevated incidence of cleft palate, unavailability of speech services, and suboptimal surgical outcomes has contributed to a substantial yet poorly defined global burden of VPI. Tracking speech outcomes in LMICs is essential to assessing VPI severity and identifying patients needing care. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are well-suited to accommodate this goal.