Comparative Evaluation of Sleep Quality and Night-Time Crying Improvements after CGL in Infants with ADEL

Abstract

Ankyloglossia with Deviation of the Epiglottis and Larynx (ADEL) is a condition in which the tongue, epiglottis and larynx are displaced upward and forward. This condition occurs independent of the existence or absence of the frenum linguae. This condition not only increases the resistance of the upper airflow, it also inhibits respiration. The Correction of the glosso-larynx (CGL) procedure cuts several bundles of genioglossas muscle from the underside of the tongue. As a result of the procedure, the tongue, epiglottis and larynx move backward and downward. In addition, the epiglottis and larynx stand up straight with the epipharynx, or post-nasal cavity, lined up in the sagittal image. Symptoms observed in babies – such as crying hard, crying at night, bending backwards, and always wanting to be in someone's arms – are no longer observed after the CGL procedure. The parents of previously afflicted babies were very pleased with the improvements, and noted a decrease in care required, following the CGL procedure. In this congress we report the result of computer voice analysis of the sound of babies' cries. Daily life record tables, a medical questionnaire, and a wristwatch type ActiGraph monitor were used to investigate changes in sleep habits and night crying in infants after CGL.