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Do Orofacial Clefts Impair Breastfeeding and Increase the Prevalence of Anemia?

Aluísio Eustáquio de Freitas Miranda-Filho1,2, Heloisa de Sousa Gomes3, Roberta Bessa Veloso Silva1

  • 174375José do Rosario Vellano University, UNIFENAS, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal : Official Publication of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association
|November 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Children with orofacial clefts, particularly cleft lip and palate, show higher rates of iron deficiency anemia and less breastfeeding. This suggests a complex interplay between these factors in affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Nutritional Science
  • Craniofacial Anomalies

Background:

  • Orofacial clefts, including cleft lip and palate (CL/P), are common congenital conditions.
  • Iron deficiency anemia is a prevalent nutritional deficiency in childhood.
  • Breastfeeding is crucial for infant nutrition and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between iron deficiency anemia, breastfeeding, and the presence of orofacial clefts in children.
  • To analyze differences in anemia and breastfeeding patterns among various types of orofacial clefts.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 210 children, divided into cleft (n=132) and control (n=78) groups.
  • Statistical analysis using the chi-squared test to compare prevalence of anemia and breastfeeding.
  • Subgroup analysis of cleft types: CL/P-I (lip), CL/P-II (lip and palate), CL/P-III (palate), and CL/P-IV (rare clefts).

Main Results:

  • The cleft group exhibited significantly higher rates of anemia (p=0.016) and lower rates of breastfeeding (P<.01) compared to controls.
  • Anemia was more frequent in CL/P-II (p=0.004) and CL/P-IV (p=0.006) subgroups.
  • While anemia prevalence varied among cleft types, no statistically significant differences were found (p=0.123).
  • Cleft lip (CL/P-I) showed higher breastfeeding rates than other cleft types (p<.01).

Conclusions:

  • Children with cleft lip and palate or rare orofacial clefts present a more complex breastfeeding process and a higher incidence of anemia.
  • Findings suggest a potential link between orofacial clefts, nutritional status (anemia), and feeding practices (breastfeeding).
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the causal relationships and develop targeted interventions.
Abstract

Keywords:
anemiabreastfeedingcleft lipcleft palate

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