Prenatal diagnosis of cleft lip and/or palate: What do we tell prospective parents?

Prenat Diagn. 2023 Sep;43(10):1310-1319. doi: 10.1002/pd.6418. Epub 2023 Aug 8.

Abstract

Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/CP) is the most common congenital craniofacial anomaly and parents often ask, "how did this happen?" Patients and families may benefit from access to a multidisciplinary team (MDT) from prenatal diagnosis into early adulthood. Multiple factors can contribute to the development of a cleft. We discuss the epidemiology and risk factors that increase the likelihood of having a newborn with a cleft. The purpose of this article is to review the prenatal investigations involved in the diagnosis and workup of these patients in addition to postpartum treatment, prognostic factors, and counseling families regarding future recurrence risk.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cleft Lip* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cleft Lip* / epidemiology
  • Cleft Palate* / diagnosis
  • Cleft Palate* / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Parents / psychology
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Prospective Studies