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Published on: February 5, 2019
Part 2. Physical assessment of the infant with cleft lip and/or palate
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical City Children's Hospital, Dallas, TX 75220, USA.
Insights
Cleft lip and palate (CL/CP) are common birth defects. This guide helps clinicians assess infants, identify risk factors, and manage CL/CP, emphasizing family support and resources.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial anomalies
- Pediatric congenital defects
Background:
- Cleft lip and palate (CL/CP) are the most frequent craniofacial birth defects.
- While prenatal diagnosis is possible, many cases are identified at birth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To equip clinicians with tools for detailed family and pregnancy history taking.
- To provide a systematic guide for physical assessment of infants with CL/CP.
- To review treatment, long-term complications, and support for affected families.
Main Methods:
- Review of embryology and genetics of CL/CP (Part 1).
- Guidance on obtaining detailed patient histories and identifying risk factors.
- Systematic physical assessment protocols for CL/CP and associated conditions.
Main Results:
- Visual aids (pictures) of various CL/CP types are included for enhanced understanding.
- Emphasis on identifying other midline defects or syndrome-consistent findings.
- Comprehensive review of treatment strategies and long-term outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of CL/CP requires thorough assessment and history taking.
- Identifying associated syndromes and risk factors is crucial for comprehensive care.
- Providing robust family support, educational resources, and counseling is essential for CL/CP management.
Abstract:
Cleft lip and cleft palate (CL/CP) are the most commonly occurring craniofacial birth defects. Although some CL/CPs are detected on prenatal ultrasound, the majority are immediately recognized in the delivery room. Part 1 of this 2-part article, "Understanding the Embryology and Genetics of Cleft Lip and Palate," presented the embryology of the face, lip, and palate to help the clinician understand the timing, complexity, and factors that may influence the development of these defects. Part 2 provides clinicians with the tools needed to obtain a detailed family and pregnancy history to evaluate for known associated risk factors. It provides a guide for a systematic physical assessment of the infant with CL/CP along with key areas of assessment for other midline defects or physical findings consistent with associated syndromes. Pictures of a variety of types of CL/CP are included to enhance understanding of these defects. Treatment and long-term complications of CL/CP are reviewed with an emphasis on family support, identifying educational resources, and counseling.
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