(Dixson et al. 2011)
Cleft lip/palate (CLP) is the most common congenital birth defect and occurs in about 1 to 2 per 1,000 births world wide. CLP is a disruption of normal facial and mouth features, with the defect occurring in the lip or palate (roof of the mouth), or both. CLP occurs when the tissues of the lip and palate do not meet completely early in fetal development. The defect can be syndromic or non-syndromic, meaning it occurs on its own as an isolated event (non-syndromic is more common, occurring in 70% of cases).
CLP does not cause death in most cases, but can cause complications with breathing, eating, speaking, and hearing. Fortunately, CLP can be repaired surgically with a low rate of complications. The picture below shows a before and after CLP repair in a young baby. In later posts, I will discuss the causes and possible preventions of CLP.
CLP does not cause death in most cases, but can cause complications with breathing, eating, speaking, and hearing. Fortunately, CLP can be repaired surgically with a low rate of complications. The picture below shows a before and after CLP repair in a young baby. In later posts, I will discuss the causes and possible preventions of CLP.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiWy6-w7sXJAhWIQyYKHWsPAzwQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hopkinsmedicine.org%2Fotolaryngology%2Fspecialty_areas%2Ffacial_plastic_reconstructive_surgery%2Freconstructive_procedures%2Fcleft_lip_palate_repair.html&psig=AFQjCNETKi_27f1C_DJX_Kwp0EwSH-R7zA&ust=1449444108714653