Incidence of cleft lip and palate in the occupied Palestinian territory: a retrospective study

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Orofacial clefts are the most common craniofacial anomaly in newborn babies. The incidence varies in different ethnic populations and is presumed to be highest in developing countries. In the Middle East, the reported incidence per 1000 livebirths per year was from 0·3 to 2·19 per year and is generally thought to be similar to rates reported in white populations. In Israel and Jordan, the incidence is recorded as 1·39 per 1000 livebirths per year. The incidence of oral clefts in Palestinians living in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) has not been reported so far and might not be similar to that in stable populations. We therefore investigated the incidence of these anomalies in the oPt. <h3>Methods</h3> We inspected the records of all newborn babies delivered at the Makassed Maternity Hospital, East Jerusalem, oPt, between Jan 1, 1986, and Dec 12, 1995. The catchment area of the hospital included people residing inside and outside East Jerusalem. Data were gathered by AD and interpreted by the other investigators. Incidences were reported as the number of newborn babies with orofacial clefts per 1000 livebirths per year. <h3>Findings</h3> Between Jan 1, 1986, and Dec 12, 1995, 33 239 livebirths were recorded at the hospital. 35 infants had orofacial clefts, yielding an incidence of 1·05 per 1000 livebirths per year: six infants (0·18 per 1000 livebirths) had isolated cleft lip, 14 (0·421 per 1000 livebirths) cleft lip and palate, five had other anomalies, and ten had other non-specified orofacial clefts. <h3>Interpretation</h3> On the basis of this small dataset from one tertiary referral hospital, we conclude that the incidence of orofacial clefts in Palestinians living in the oPt is similar to that reported in neighbouring countries. However, these results need to be confirmed in large broad studies with data from the national birth registries. <h3>Funding</h3> None.