Incidence of Orofacial Clefts in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Background. Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common orofacial congenital anomalies. This study is to establish Orofacial Clefts Database for Kumasi, Ghana, with a view to extend it to other cities in future to obtain a national orofacial anomaly database. Methods. A descriptive prospective survey was carried out at eleven selected health facilities in Kumasi. Results. The total number of live births recorded was 27,449. Orofacial anomalies recorded were 36, giving an incidence of 1.31/1000 live births or 1 in 763 live births. The mean maternal age of cleft lip/palate babies was 29.85 years (range 18–40 years). The male : female ratio for the orofacial anomalies babies was 1.3 : 1; the male : female ratio was 0.5 : 1 in the cleft lip group, 1.3 : 1 in the cleft lip and palate group, and 4 : 1 in the cleft palate group. The majority of clefts were unilateral (69.4%, n=25), with females (n=14) outnumbering males (n=11). A family history of cleft was recorded with five babies (13.9%). Associated congenital anomalies were recorded in seven (19.4%) cleft lips and/or palates. Conclusion. The incidence of 1 in 763 live births found in this study indicates that cleft lip/palate is a common congenital anomaly in Kumasi.