Presentation of cleft lip and/or palate at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

We carried out a study to establish the presentation of patients with cleft lip (CL) and/or (+-) cleft palate (CP) at K.N.H. and find out the factors affecting their receiving early surgical management. Attempt was also made to see if any associated factors exist in the causation of such deformities. 198 patients were reviewed over a period of one year. 42% had CL, 53% CL+CP, and 6% CPo The M:F ratio was 1.24:1 for CL, 1.22:1 for CL+CP, and

1:2.67 for CPo The left side was more affected in both CL and CL+CP with 55% and 65% occurence respectively. 85% were complete clefts. 17% in CL +- CP and 25% in CP cases knew a close relative with ,similar problems. The risk of being affected increased with the numerical birth order of the sibling. An association was found between anti epileptic drugs and the occurence of CL deformity. Most patients were operated upon at a delayed age. Ignorance, delayed referal, and the availability of bed were among the major reasons for this. Recommendations are glven for improvements ln the management of these patients.