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A Multisite Study of Oral Clefts and Associated Abnormalities in Thailand: The Epidemiologic Data
Bowornsilp Chowchuen1, Sanguansak Thanaviratananich1, Vichai Chichareon1
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkla, Thailand; Surgical Unit, Sara Buri Hospital, Sara Buri, Thailand; Surgical Unit, Buddhachinaraj Hospital, Phitsanulok, Thailand; and Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Insights
This study investigated birth defects like cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CLP) in Thailand. The overall incidence was 1.51 per 1000 live births, with regional variations noted.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CLP) are common congenital anomalies.
- Understanding the epidemiological data and risk factors for CLP is crucial for public health initiatives.
- Previous data on CLP incidence in Thailand is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the birth incidence of cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CLP) in the Thai population.
- To identify associated risk factors for CLP births.
- To analyze the geographical distribution of CLP births.
Main Methods:
- Data collected over 12 months (2003-2004) from all hospitals in 6 provinces across 4 regions of Thailand.
- Infant deliveries with CLP and associated risk factors were recorded.
- Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to analyze birth incidence, related factors, and geographical linkage.
Main Results:
- Overall CLP birth incidence was 1.51 per 1000 live births.
- Higher incidences observed in Phitsanulok (2.01), Saraburi (1.69), and Khon Kaen (1.66) provinces.
- Northeast region showed variations in gestational age and higher maternal vitamin A intake; folic acid supplementation was low across all regions.
Conclusions:
- Varied incidence suggests potential issues with case ascertainment accuracy.
- Geographic Information System (GIS) proved valuable for background investigation and planning cleft care.
- The study provides a foundation for future etiological research and the establishment of birth registries for CLP.
Unlabelled:
This study aimed to obtain epidemiological data of birth incidences of cleft lips and/or cleft palates (CLP) in the Thai population with associated risk factors.
Methods:
The data were collected for a period of 12 months between 2003 and 2004 for infants' deliveries with CLP and associated risk factors in all hospitals of 6 provinces from 4 regions of Thailand. The birth incidence, related factors with cleft birth, and linkage with geographical area were analyzed by the geographic information system.
Results:
Phitsanulok, Saraburi, and Khon Kaen had higher birth incidences for CLP of 2.01, 1.69, and 1.66 per 1000 live births, respectively, and the overall birth incidence was 1.51 per 1000 live births. There were a total of 112 cleft births (61 males and 51 females) with 43 cleft lips, 18 cleft palates, and 51 cleft lips + cleft palates. The northeast region had infants with different gestational ages at birth and mothers with higher intakes of vitamins and a use of vitamin A supplement or retinoic acid than others. A use of folic acid supplement was low in all 4 regions.
Conclusions:
The varied incidence of CLP may reflect the incomplete accuracy of case ascertainment. A number of challenges were addressed. The geographic information system was helpful for more background investigation and planning of cleft care management. Our study enables future studies of etiological factors and future birth registries.
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