A more extensive cleft seems to be associated with a higher risk for associated malformations. Although many associated congenital defects can be detected at a physical examination, the high prevalence of congenital heart disease (16 times that of general population) may justify a routine echocardiographic screening.

Delayed hard palate closure as practiced in Goteborg since 1979 has produced the best GOSLON Yardstick ratings in a consecutive series of patients ever recorded worldwide, since the Yardstick was first used in 1983. However, it is noteworthy that a new protocol has been introduced in Goteborg since 1994, in which hard palate closure is done at 3 years due to concerns regarding speech.

Objective and Methods Children with cleft lip and/or palate (n = 251) born between 1991 and 1995 in the county of Stockholm, Sweden, were studied with reference to incidence and rate ratios (RRs) of different types of clefts, gender, birth weight, mother's age, and length of pregnancy. Children who had clefts and additional malformations were compared with children who had clefts but no additional malformations. Results The incidence of clefts was 2.0/1000 live births, and it was higher among males than among females. The RR, an index of relative risk, was 1.58. The main groups, children with isolated cleft lip, children with cleft lip and palate, and children with isolated cleft palate, showed similar incidence values (0.6-0.7/1000 live births). Children with bilateral clefts had an incidence of 0.3/1000 live births. Additional malformations were found in approximately every sixth newborn with a cleft when children with Robin sequence were excluded. There was a tendency for newborns with bilateral clefts to have additional malformations (RR = 1.36; confidence interval = 0.74-2.49). Children with clefts and additional malformations had lower birth weight and were born earlier than children with clefts only. Conclusion Preterm cleft children with low birth weight should be screened for the presence of other birth defects.

Young adults with either cleft lip and palate or isolated cleft palate who received recognition from significant others reported increased self-esteem and greater ability to cope with their social lives.

ISRCTN29932826.