Anomalies associated with cleft lip and palate in patients seen at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu

Abstract

Background: Cleft deformities of the face are one of the major congenital anomalies seen in our environment. No information is available in this centre on the incidence of the deformities and associated anomalies which influence management and outcomes. This paper hopes to contribute to this.
Materials and methods
The records of all patients with cleft lip and palate seen in the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu from January 1993 to December 1999 were reviewed retrospectively.
Results: There were 93 cases. Fourteen were isolated cleft palate; 37, isolated cleft lip and 42 were combined cleft lip and palate. There were associated anomalies in 15%. These occurred most commonly in isolated cleft palate and combined cleft lip and palate patients and least among the isolated cleft lip patients. Multiple anomalies were present in all groups but commonest in combined lip and palate patients. Cardiac anomalies were noted in all groups. Late diagnosis of associated cardiac anomalies was noted in three cases. When characterized they were mostly septal defects compatible with surgery. Late detection was noted in some cardiac anomalies.
Conclusion: Routine paediatric evaluation of all cleft patients and the establishment of cleft centres are advocated.

Keywords: cleft lip and palate, associated anomaly.

Nigerian Journal of Plastic Surgery Vol. 3 (2) 2007: pp. 31-35