Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of cleft lip and palate in the Democratic Republic of Congo: about 1666 cases

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) are congenital malformations which mainly affect the upper lip and/or palate and are the most common malformations of the orofacial sphere. The objective of the present study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic profile of cleft lip and palate patients managed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Material and Methods a retrospective descriptive study of 1666 patients with cleft lip and palate collected in 20 provinces of the DRC and managed between January 2017 and June 2022. The variables studied were epidemiological, anatomo-clinical and therapeutic. Results The mean age of patients seeking care was 11.6 years. The male predominance was (58.6%). A family history of CLP was found in 4.3% of cases and the association of CLP with other visible congenital malformations was identified in 1.5%. Isolated cleft lips were (66.1%) and palates (2.6%) of cases. Combinations involving cleft lip, palate and alveoli were observed respectively as following in terms of frequency: cleft lip-alveolar (15.7%), cleft lip-alveolar-palatal (10.6%) and cleft lip-palate (4.9%). The left side cleft was more common. Cheiloplasty was the most common repair procedure for cleft lip (81.4%) and the isolate palatoplasty was performed for 2.6% cleft palate. Conclusion In the DRC, CLP are common, with male predominance and often treated late. Cleft lips occur more commonly than cleft palates.