A study of orofacial clefts seen in a tertiary referral hospital in Nepal.

OBJECTIVES

Clefts of lip (CL), palate (CP), or both (CLP) are the most common orofacial congenital malformations found among live births, accounting for a large number of head and neck anomalies. To date, little is known regarding the epidemiology and pattern of orofacial clefts in Nepal. The objectives were to know the frequency and pattern of orofacial clefts in Eastern Nepal and compare with different parts of the world.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted at B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences to identify all children with orofacial clefts who were treated during a period of five years. Cleft lip and/or palate records were obtained from patient files in the Hospital's Medical Record Department. Age at presentation, sex, region of origin, type and laterality of the cleft were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 398 orofacial cleft cases were seen during the period. Isolated cleft lip (CL) was the most common cleft type followed closely by cleft palate (CP).

CONCLUSIONS

The distribution of clefts by side showed a significant preponderance of the left side followed by the right and bilateral sides.