Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the risk factors of preoperative upper respiratory infections in children with cleft lips and palate (CLP) and investigate preventive measures to reduce infections and improve the quality of treatments. METHODS: A total of 510 children with CLP of ages 3 years old or younger were selected from hospital cases from June to December 2017. The test group comprised 50 children with upper respiratory infections, whereas the control group comprised 460 children without upper respiratory infections. A t-test and a multivariate logistic analysis were utilized to analyze the risk factors and to investigate the preventive measures. RESULTS: Feeding patterns, the presence of infected companions during hospitalization, and ventilation at night were statistically significant. The feeding patterns and the presence of infected companions during hospitalization were independent risk factors for upper respiratory infections in children with CLP. CONCLUSIONS: Bottle feeding, infected companions during hospitalization, and the absence of window ventilation at night are risk factors for preoperative upper respiratory infections in children 3 years old or younger with CLP. Among the risk factors identified, feeding patterns and the presence of infected companion during hospitalization were the most influential. Medical staff members should streng-then corresponding health education and nursing measures to control the risk factors.