Pattern of cleft lip and palate in Kano and Kaduna States, Nigeria

Abstract

Cleft lip and palate are among the most prevalent congenital anomalies with patterns influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Understanding their distribution is vital for effective treatment and prevention strategies. This study investigated the pattern of cleft lip and palate across selected areas in Northwestern Nigeria over a 10-year period with a focus on sex distribution, cleft type, laterality, family history, and geographic origin. A retrospective analysis was conducted using hospital records from Kano and Kaduna states. Data on sex, cleft type, laterality, family history, and place of origin were collected and analyzed using simple percentages and chi-square tests to identify frequencies and potential associations. Amongst the 235 recorded cases, females (58.7%) had a higher prevalence than males (41.3%). Cleft lip alone was the most common type (32.8%), and right-sided clefts were the most frequent (42.6%). Only 5.5% of cases had a positive family history. There were no statistically significant associations between cleft type and variables such as sex, family history, or location. The findings underscore the predominance of right-sided clefts, a higher occurrence in females, and a low familial tendency, offering valuable insight for healthcare planning and further research.