Prevalence of Chronic Gastrointestinal Disorders in Patients With Cleft Lip and/or Palate

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of Chronic Abdominal Pain (CAP) and Functional Constipation (FC) in children and adolescents with and without Cleft Lip and/or Palate (CL/P).DesignRetrospective cross-sectional.SettingCraniofacial Center, Hospital.ParticipantsThe present study included 400 participants, aged from 4 to 18 years, divided into 2 groups: non-syndromic CL/P (n = 200) and without CL/P (n = 200; control group).InterventionsThe parents of the participants answered the questions and were interviewed based on the criteria of Apley and Naish for CAP's diagnosis and on ROME IV criteria for FC diagnosis. The obtained prevalence in the groups were compared using chi-square test (α=5%).Main Outcome MeasuresThe hypothesis is that individuals with oral cleft might have a higher prevalence of those chronic conditions, based on the frequent early life stressors in this population.ResultsCAP prevalence was 36.50% in CL/P group and 15.00% in control (without CL/P) (P < .001). The FC prevalence in CL/P group was 24.50% and 18.50% in control group (without CL/P) (P = .180).ConclusionsChildren and adolescents with CL/P had a higher CAP prevalence compared to the population without CL/P. FC percentage were expressive in both groups. Gastrointestinal problems may represent additional suffering for the patients with clefts. The proper management of chronic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract in children and adolescents with CL/P should be part of the patient's rehabilitation.