The distribution and classification of clefts in patients attending a cleft lip and palate clinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and discuss the etiology, distribution, and classification of cleft lip and palate CLP patients in one of the most active CLP clinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: The records of all 171 CLP patients attending the CLP clinic at the College of Dentistry, King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were collected in November and December 2006. Variables such as etiology, age, gender, type of cleft, and location of cleft were statistically analyzed. Proportional Z test p<0.05 was used.

RESULTS: The patients age range was 0.5-30 years with an average of 11.1 standard deviation 5.87 years. Attending male patients 63.7% were more than females 36.6% p=0.000. The unknown environmental factor was the most reported etiological factor 79.5% p=0.000. The cleft lip and palate were the most prevalent type 78.3% p=0.000. In the different types of cleft, as well as within the same cleft type, the cleft lip and palate type were significantly higher in males 49.1% 62.7%, than females 29.1% 37.3% with p=0.038 p=0.008. There were no statistical differences between the right and left cleft sides.

CONCLUSION: The average age and range of CLP patients at first visit were high. Attending male patients was more than females. The environmental etiological factor was not identifiable. Males were dominant in the cleft lip and palate type. The cleft lip and palate type were the highest among oral clefts.