Prevalence of Congenital Heart Diseases in Patients with Orofacial Clefts: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND

The reports on prevalence rates of congenital heart diseases (CHDs) in patients with orofacial clefts (OFCs) have varied widely.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the prevalence rates of CHDs in patients with OFCs.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: A computer search was conducted through the PubMed from 1950 to June 2015 using key words or search terms of congenital heart diseases, orofacial clefts, cleft lip/palate and prevalence.

RESULTS

The search resulted in nine studies with 598 CHDs cases identified in 5,707 patients with OFCs. The prevalence of CHDs in patients with OFCs ranged from 3.9% to 23.9%. The five prospective studies had prevalence rates of 12.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.9 to 13.2) whilst the four retrospective studies had prevalence rates of 8.6% (95% CI: 7.5 to 9.8). Concerning the prospective studies, the newborn study had a higher prevalence than those of other childhood studies [23.9% vs. 11.5% (95% CI: 10.4 to 12.7)]. The newborn study with the use of echocardiography had a higher prevalence than those without using echocardiography (23.9% vs. 12.8%). Atrial septal defect was the most frequent CHD found.

CONCLUSION

CHD is commonly found in a patient with OFC. Echocardiography should be used to assess CHD in patients with OFCs.