22q11 Deletion in children with cleft lip and palate--is routine screening justified?

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the prevalence of 22q11 deletion in children with a diagnosis of cleft lip and/or palate that had been referred to the Cleft Lip & Palate Service, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of results of 22q11 FISH testing performed in all such referrals.

PARTICIPANTS

191 children, of whom 13 had a bilateral cleft lip and palate, two had a median cleft, 77 had a cleft palate only, 44 had a unilateral cleft lip, 47 had a unilateral cleft lip and palate and eight had a submucous cleft palate.

RESULTS

nine patients had a positive 22q11 FISH test.

CONCLUSION

This represents a higher percentage than has been previously reported. All children with cleft lip and/or palate should routinely have a 22q11 FISH test in view of the implications of a diagnosis of velocardiofacial syndrome.