The Birth Incidence of Cleft Lip and Palate at Srinagarind Hospital, 1990-1999.

ABSTRACT

Background: Incidence of births with cleft lip and palate varies geographically. There is no information about this issue at Srinagarind Hospital.Objective: To determine trends in birth incidence of cleft lip and palate at Srinagarind Hospital during 1900-1999 and clinical characteristics of affected pregnancies.Design:  A retrospective descriptive study.Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University.Subjects: All 56 births affected by cleft lip and palate from 51,386 live births during 1900-1999.Main outcome Measures: Birth incidence of cleft lip and palate.Results: Among 50 cases of cleft lip and palate, there were 28 cases of cleft lip with cleft palate, 20 cases of isolated cleft lip and 8 case of isolated cleft palate. Birth incidence of cleft lip and palate was 1.1/1,000 live births with no upward and downward trend. Birth incidence of cleft lip with cleft palate, isolated cleft lip and isolated cleft palate were 0.5,0.4,0.2/1,000 live births respectively. Associated malformations were 17.95% and only 1.8% could be prenatally diagnosed.Conclusion: Birth incidence of cleft lip and palate at Srinagarind Hospital remained relatively stable. The increase of effectiveness in prenatal diagnosis of cleft lip and palate by ultrasound would be useful in counseling, prenatal care and preparation for neonatal care of these congenital anomalies.Key words Cleft lip and palate, birth incidence.