Inheritance of Harelip and Cleft Palate: Contribution to the Elucidation of the Etiology of the Congenital Clefts of the Face

Abstract

The work reported in this monograph was carried out in Denmark from 1939 to 1941. It constitutes an extensive study of the genetic factors related to harelip and cleft palate. From the large Danish material it was concluded that 25 per cent of those affected have harelip alone, 50 per cent have harelip and cleft palate, and 25 per cent cleft palate alone. The author states that, contrary to the prevailing view, there are two different malformations without genetic connection, namely harelip with or without associated cleft palate, and isolated cleft palate. The former, he believes, is hereditary in most cases, whereas in isolated cleft palate there is probably a considerable admixture of nonhereditary cases. Although a chapter on theories and etiology of cleft palate is included in the monograph, reference is not made to the possible role of German measles during early pregnancy. This monograph will henceforth be required