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Published on: September 19, 2015
[The prevalence analysis of cleft palate in Chinese perinatals: 1996-2000]
Li Dai1, Lei Miao, Guang-xuan Zhou
1National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Insights
The prevalence of cleft palate (CP) in Chinese newborns increased from 1996-2000, particularly syndromic CP. Syndromic CP also showed a higher mortality rate, indicating a poor prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Cleft palate (CP) is a significant congenital anomaly.
- Understanding its epidemiological features is crucial for public health initiatives.
- Chinese Birth Defects Monitoring Network provides valuable data on birth defects.
Purpose:
- To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of cleft palate (CP) in Chinese perinatals.
- To analyze trends in CP prevalence, including isolated and syndromic forms.
- To examine variations in CP rates based on geography, sex, and maternal age.
Summary:
- A study of 2,218,616 births in China (1996-2000) identified 499 cases of CP, with an overall prevalence of 2.25/10,000.
- Prevalence rates varied by urban/rural location, sex, and maternal age, with a notable increase in syndromic CP.
- Perinatal mortality was significantly higher for syndromic CP (41.4%) compared to isolated CP (7.3%).
Impact:
- The findings highlight an increasing trend in syndromic CP, contributing to the overall rise in CP prevalence.
- Geographic variations and female predominance in isolated CP were observed.
- Poor prognosis for syndromic CP underscores the need for targeted interventions and improved birth quality.
Objective:
To study the epidemiological features of cleft palate (CP) in Chinese perinatals.
Methods:
Data from 1996 to 2000 were collected through Chinese Birth Defects Monitoring Network a hospital based congenital malformation registry system. During that period all live or still births with 28 weeks of gestation or more were assessed within 7 days after delivery.
Results:
499 perinatals with CP were identified among 2,218,616 births, then the overall prevalence rates of CP were 2.25/10,000, rates in isolated and syndromic CP were 1.75/10,000, 0.50/10,000 respectively. The rates in urban and rural area, in male and female births were 2.27/10,000 and 2.19/10,000, 1.93/10,000 and 2.57/10,000 respectively. The highest but nonsignificant rate (2.84/10,000) was found in maternal age group of more than 35 years. An increased trend was found both in overall CP and syndromic CP during that period. Geographic variation was found among provinces. The perinatal mortality rate of CP was 14.9%, and the rate of isolated forms was 7.3%, while the rate of syndromic CP was as high as 41.4%.
Conclusion:
The increasing prevalence rate of syndromic CP can account for the secular trend of overall CP. Female predominance was only observed in isolated forms of CP among Chinese perinatals. Geographic variation was identified too. Due to poor birth quality, perinatals suffering from syndromic CP had poor prognosis.
