Clinical and echocardiographic findings in an African pediatric population of cleft lip/palate patients: A preliminary report

Abstract

Background: Every congenital structural defect in the body represents an inborn error in morphogenesis and may affect one or more systems and Orofacial clefts are one of the commonest birth defects. Objective: Cleft lips and/or palate are frequently associated with other congenital anomalies including cardiovascular. Methods: All pediatric orofacial cleft patients presenting for free treatment during a surgical outreach at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital were examined by the pediatric cardiologist, pedodontist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and anesthetist. Results: Of the 20 patients studied, three (15%) had congenital heart disease (CHD), 1 (5%) had skeletal anomaly and one of the children with CHD had an ileo-vaginal hernia (digestive and urogenital system anomaly). Conclusions: The most common associated congenital abnormality was CHD in 15% of children.