Abstract
Introduction The nonsyndromic orofacial cleft is the fourth most common birth defect, but in Brazil,
data about the cleft epidemiology are not accurate.
Objective This study aimed to describe the epidemiologic characteristics of oral cleft cases
at Specialized Society Attending Cleft Patient in Sergipe State.
Methods Data were obtained from patients' medical records in relation to the following characteristics:
age; gender; race; origin; cleft type; additional malformations and/or complications;
prenatal accomplishment; treatment applied. For diagnosis analysis, it was noted if
mothers had received prenatal care and if they had ultrasonography performed and if
the cleft was viewed in it.
Results We observed a prevalence of male gender (54%). Age between 0 and 4 years old was
most prevalent (53%), and pheoderma race was observed in 47%. Transincisive foramen
cleft was found in 52.3% of the individuals. The prevalence of pre- and transincisive
foramen cleft was higher in men (66.3 and 55.7%), women accounted for 65.0% of postincisive
foramen, and atypical facial cleft (0.3%) occurred in one case. Associated malformations
and complications were present in 12% of patients. Prenatal care was reported by 48%
of the mothers.
Conclusion In this study male gender was the most affected, and 0 to 4 years was the most frequent
age group. Transincisive foramen cleft type was most frequently encountered. Prenatal
care was reported by most mothers. So, this study found that early treatment is a
reality in SEAFESE (Service Specializing in Cleft Care of Sergipe), and consequently
the chances of successful integration of the child to society will be better.
Keywords
cleft lip - cleft palate - epidemiology
