Abdullah Faraj AlShammari
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence, incidence and possible etiological risk factors of orofacial cleft in Hail Region, Northern Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This is a retrospective study conducted in Maternity Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia. Data of seven years (2011-2017) records of newborn infants were reviewed for the presence of orofacial anomalies (included 27800 files).
Results: The overall prevalence rate of orofacial cleft was 1.08 per 1000 births. Out of 30 patients diagnosed with orofacial anomalies, 14(46.7%) were found with cleft palate, 11(36.7%) with bilateral cleft lip and palate, 4(13.3%) with bilateral cleft lip and only one (3.3%) with unilateral cleft lip and palate.
Conclusion: The prevalence of orofacial clefts in Northern Saudi Arabia was similar or slightly lower than the higher global reported rates. Cleft palate was the most common type of orofacial cleft in Northern Saudi Arabia.
