Epidemiological Characteristics of Children With Non-Cleft Lip/Palate Craniofacial Anomalies

Non-cleft craniofacial anomalies are not as common as cleft lip and palate but resultant disability can be very severe. Although there are epidemiological studies of the clefts in the medical literature, the non-cleft group is still not well known. This study was to examine the epidemiological characteristics of the non-cleft craniofacial anomalies. Patients younger than 18 years old were included during a 1-year period. Patient information was retrieved from medical records and a questionnaire filled by primary caregivers.There were 139 patients included in the study with an average age of 6 years and 7 months (4-194 months). Fifty-eight percent were male, 56% were first-born children, whereas 61.9% had siblings. Family history was positive in 6.5%. Almost all patients were in age-appropriate educational levels. Using Whitaker classification, Synostoses was the most common at 48.9%, followed by Unclassified, Clefts, Neoplasia-Hyperplasia, and Atrophy-Hypoplasia. Their anomalies were mostly detected at the regional hospitals. Outpatient visits throughout the course ranged from 1 to 100. Eighty-two percent of patients had at least 1 hospitalization, whereas 78% experienced at least 1 surgical treatment.Generally, non-cleft craniofacial anomalies were nonfamilial. We found a wide variety of anomalies. Patients were from all regions of the country. Their geographical location did not prevent access to receiving proper care and education. Having a child with an anomaly did not discourage the family from having more descendants. Among the available classifications, the Whitaker system is easier for clinical use.