Cleft Lip and Palate Characteristics, Combined Oro-facial Deformities in Syria

Objectives:  

Oro-facial clefts, the most common oro-facial anomalies in newborn infants, can be in different types and vary among ethnic populations. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of cleft lip and palate in Syria (which types are more common, what are the risk factors, what are the mostly combined Oro-facial deformities), and to evaluate the main upper jaw characteristics in newborn Syrian infants.

Methods:

1).  55144 newborn infants in 12 hospitals of 7 Syrian cities were examined during the year 2009. (2). Case history, clinical examination, and cast study were done for the cleft patients (60 infants: 21 Females, 39 Males). The patients were divided according to the cleft type into 4 groups. In addition, 23 healthy infants were used as a control group.

Results:  

The Cleft incidence ratio was (1.1) out of every (1000) life births (65% Male, 35% Female). Statistically significant, (CL±P) incidence ratio was higher than the incidence ratio of (CP). As such, Males’ incidence ratio of (CL±P) was higher than Females’, and Females’ incidence ratio of (CP) was higher than that of Males. The shape and dimensions of upper alveolar arch with oral cleft groups of all types showed different deviation according to cleft type.

Conclusions:

Clefts Incidence ratio in Syria was intermediate. And some cases of oral clefts were combined with some congenital deformities. The upper alveolar arch dimensions showed limited significant differences in comparison with normal cases. So, it can be said that maxillary compression appears later due to the environmental factors. Therefore, it’s highly important to begin early with orthopedic treatment for the cleft patients