Epidemiology of non-syndromic orofacial cleft (NSOFC) in Medina, Saudi Arabia

Aim: This study investigates the prevalence of non syndromic orofacial cleft (NSOFC) in Medina city, Saudi Arabia and their relationship to consanguinity. Material and Methods: Infants born in the only cleft center in Medina city (Maternity and Children Hospital (MCH)) from 1st of January 2010 to the 31st of December 2011 were included in this study to calculate the prevalence. Referred NSOFC infants were included to investigate the effect of consanguinity. Data was collected through clinical examination, and parental interview. Result: In two years, 78 NSOFC infants were born. Out of them, 50 (64%) were males. The most common phenotype seen was cleft lip (CL) (43% of NSOFC cases). Consanguineous parents represented 66.7% of NSOFC patients. NSOFC prevalence was 1.9/1000 live births. CL prevalence was 0.89/ 1000 live births, the prevalence of cleft lip and palate (CLP) was 0.68/1000 live births and the least prevalence was for cleft palate (CP) 0.36/1000 live births. Conclusion: The prevalence of NSOFC in Medina is 1.9/1000 live births. The prevalence of CL was greater than CLP, and CP. The reason for this ratio needs further research.