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Incidence and epidemiology of cleft lip/palate in Singapore
1Neonatal Units, Kandang Kerbau Hospital, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Insights
This study monitored congenital facial clefts in Singapore newborns, finding an incidence of 0.17%. Early menarche, regular periods, and traditional medicine use were linked to increased risk.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital malformations, specifically cleft lip and cleft palate, are significant concerns in newborn populations.
- Kandang Kerbau Hospital in Singapore initiated a continuous monitoring program for these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of cleft lip and cleft palate in newborns at Kandang Kerbau Hospital.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with the occurrence of facial clefts.
Main Methods:
- Prospective screening of all newborn infants delivered at Kandang Kerbau Hospital over a 24-month period.
- Case-control analysis comparing infants with facial clefts to matched controls based on delivery details, maternal demographics, and ethnicity.
Main Results:
- A total of 30,411 infants were screened, with 53 cases of cleft lip/palate identified, resulting in an overall incidence of 0.17% (1 in 574 births).
- Incidence rates varied slightly by sex and ethnicity, with Chinese infants showing the highest rate (0.20%) and Indian infants the lowest (0.09%).
- Significant associations were found between facial clefts and early menarche, regular menstrual cycles, and the use of traditional medicine during pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- The study established baseline incidence rates for cleft lip and palate in a Singaporean newborn population.
- Early menarche, regular menstruation, and traditional medicine consumption emerged as significant risk factors for congenital facial clefts.
Abstract:
This is an on-going study monitoring congenital malformations in all babies delivered in the Kandang Kerbau Hospital, Singapore. Cleft lip and cleft palate as well as a combination of both are among those conditions closely monitored. Up till December 1987, 24 months after the study commenced, a total of 30,411 newborn infants have been screened, out of which 53 infants presented with one of these conditions, an incidence of 0.17% (one per 574 births). There were 26 males and 27 females. During this period, 15,564 males and 14,847 females were delivered; incidence in males was 0.17% and females 0.18%. The incidence in Chinese was 0.20%, Malays 0.14% and Indians 0.09%. Of the 53 cases, 11 (20.7%) have isolated cleft lip, 18 (34.0%) isolated cleft palate and 24 (45.3%) both cleft lip and palate combined. Comparison with a set of controls matched with regards to place and time of delivery, maternal age, maternal parity and ethnic group was made. Analysis of the study and control groups demonstrated that early menarche, regular menstrual periods, and ingestion of traditional medicine were significantly associated with facial clefts.