Associated Anomalies

Posted on March 22nd, 2007

Associated Malformations in Infants with Cleft Lip and Palate: A Prospective, Population-based Study.

[Original Abstract - abbreviated]¹
Objective. Infants with cleft lip and palate may often have associated congenital defects. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the prevalence of associated malformations in a geographically defined population. Methods. The prevalence of associated malformations in infants with clefts were collected prospectively betweeb 1975 and 1992 on all infants born in greater Stockholm, Sweden. Results. Of the 616 infants with clefts (367 boys, 249 girls) born during this period, 21% had associated malformations that either required follow-up or treatment. Associated malformations were more frequent in infants who had both cleft lip and palate (28%) than in infants with isolated cleft palate (22%) or infants with isolated cleft lip (8%). Malformations of the limbs or vertebral column were the most common other anomalies and accounted for 33% of all associated defects. 24% of associated malformations were in the cardiovascular system and congenital heart disease was the most common isolated associated malformation. 15% of all associated malformations were multiple and they were frequently associated with mental retardation or chromosomal anomalies. 22% of infants with associated malformations were born preterm, compared with an expected 5% incidence of preterm delivery in Sweden. Conclusion. A more extensive cleft seems to be associated with a higher risk for associated malformations. The high prevalence of congenital heart disease (the most common single other anomaly and 16 times that of the general population) may justify a routine screening. cleft.ie Note: The authors further concluded that they felt that the high percentage of associated malformations should be taken into consideration when discussing cleft lip surgery within the first days of life, especially as a number of severe cardiac defects may not be diagnosed during the newborn period. The overall prevalence of malformations, one in less than five infants, emphasises the need for a thorough investigation of infants with clefts.

1. Milerad, J., et al. (1997) Duarte, R., Leal, M.J. (1999). Associated Malformations in Infants with Cleft Lip and Palate: A Prospective, Population-based Study. Pediatrics, August 1997, 100(2): 180-186 [↩]

Pages: 1 2 3

Print This Page |

Comments are closed.