Pattern of Orofacial Clefts: A Study of 673 Cases in Northcentral Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Orofacial cleft prescntacion has been shown to have geographical variation. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of orofacial cleft presentation in Northcentral, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: We studied orofocial cleft patients seen in the Nigerian Northcentral zone between 2011 and 2017, at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital as well as during outreach programmes by Cleft and Facial Deformity Foundation. Information retrieved from patients' notes included age at presentation, gender, gestation period, type of cleft, family history of cleft and associated abnormalities. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 (SPSS Inc, Chicago IL, USA).

Results: A total of 673 patients were included in the study. Cleft ratio recorded was Cleft Lip (CL); 56.6%, Cleft lip & Palate (CLP); 19.0% and Cleft Palate (CP}; 12.5%. There were 85 unilateral complete cleft palate (UCLP) and 43 bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) with ratio UCLP:BCLP of 2:1. Unilateral cleft lip was higher than bilateral cleft lip in the ratio of 8.7:1. Forty four (6.5%) patients had a positive family history of cleft lip and/or palate, 4.2% had associated abnormalities and 5.3% had atypical facial clefts.

Conclusion: Pattern of cleft presentation is similar to earlier reports, including adult cleft. Significant findings included high percentage of isolated cleft palate as well as unilateral cleft lip being nine times commoner than bilateral cleft lip. Awareness creation and access to surgery , offered by outreach programs have the potential of reducing adult cleft.