Multifactorial Birth Defects - A Cleft Lip And Cleft Palate

A Cleft Lip And Cleft Palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate are the two most common abnormalities of the face and palate. It is an opening in the midline of upper lip and/or palate. Both the conditions often tend to occur together. However, they are two different abnormalities. Clinical features include disfigurement of the face, speech difficulties and problems associated with swallowing. It can usually be corrected by surgery. 

They are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is not possible to pinpoint an exact cause, as it is a multifactorial disorder. Of late, much importance is being given to genetic causes. More than 200 different syndromes are characterized by the condition. It is therefore very important to diagnose the condition properly and determine the other associated causes.