OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of cleft lip and palate in a Pediatric Center of Northeast of Brazil and to determine which types of these conditions that most affect these children. METHODS: From June 2008 to February 2010, 551 children with cleft lip and palate followed by the NAIF (Ceara, Northeast of Brazil) were chosen to participate of the present study. The analyzed variables were sex, type of cleft lip and affected side of the lip. Cleft types were evaluated according to the Spina classification. All information was stored in a database and subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-three percent of the assessed population were male. Among all types of cleft lip and palate, the trans-incisive foramen clefts were the most frequent (72.6%). Regarding the affected side, left clefts were most common (61.3%). A higher prevalence of trans-incisive foramen cleft in males and post-incisive foramen cleft in girls was observed.
Cleft Palate; Cleft lip; Incidence
