Pattern of congenital heart defects among children with orofacial clefts in Northern Nigeria

Background: The prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHD) in children with cleft lips (CLs) and palate (CP) is reportedly higher than the general population. Several studies have described diverse rate of CHD in different localities. Aims and Objectives: To the authors' knowledge, the frequency and pattern of CHD among children with CLs and CP has not described in this geopolitical zone. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of the echocardiographic records of all cases of CL and CP seen over a 4 years period, between November, 2010 and October, 2013. Data were analyzed and expressed using frequency tables and percentages. Results: A total 30 children were referred for echocardiographic screening (ECGS) during the period. There were 17 males and 13 females, giving a male:female of about 1:1. The age range was between 15 days and 12 years with a median age of 4 months. There were 6 (20%) cases of CHDs. Conclusions: The relatively high rate of CHD among children with oral clefts in this study justifies the need for ECGS for these categories of children.