Incidence of Heart Diseases in Children with Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

Abstract

Introduction:  Cleft lip and cleft palate are one of the most common craniofacial malformations that occur in children. Congenital heart diseases are more prevalent among children with cleft lip and cleft palate. Early intervention is necessary to improve the survival and for proper development of children. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study is conducted at Paediatrics Department in Saveetha medical College for a period of one year. In the present study medical records of patients with cleft lip and palate are evaluated and analysed for the incidence of heart diseases. Results: In the present study medical records of patients with cleft lip and palate are evaluated and analysed for the incidence of heart diseases. Out of 163 children with cleft lip and cleft palate, 56 children (71.42% male and 28.57% female) had cleft lip, 30 children (66.66% male and 33.33% female) had cleft palate, 77 children (66.23% male and 33.76% female) had both cleft lip and cleft palate.VSD is reported as the most common cardiac anomaly (42.86%) in children with cleft lip and cleft palate. Conclusion:  There is an increased incidence of congenital heart diseases in children with cleft lip and cleft palate. Echocardiography is an important investigation done for early identification and proper management.