The influence of sidedness in unilateral cleft lip and palate on mid facial growth at 5 years of age

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine whether facial growth at five years is different for children with a right versus left sided cleft lip and palate.DesignRetrospective cohort studySettingNine UK cleft centresPatientsPatients born between 2000-2014 with a complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP)Main outcomes measure5-Year-Old’s Index scoresResults378 children were included. 122 (32%) had a right sided UCLP and 256 (68%) had a left sided UCLP. 5-Year-Old’s index scores ranged from 1 (good) to 5 (poor). There was a higher proportion of patients getting good scores (1 and 2) in left UCLP (43%) compared to right UCLP (37%) but there was weak evidence for a difference (Adjusted summary odds ratio 1.27, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.87; P=0.22).ConclusionsWhilst maxillary growth may be different for left versus right sided UCLP, definitive analysis requires older growth indices and arch forms.