Genetics and Cleft

The exact cause of a cleft is still unknown. A genetics evaluation may assist in obtaining a complete diagnosis and recurrence rate for a particular individual and family.

• Usually multifactorial, incidence ~ 1 in 700 births
  
• May be a feature in over 300 syndromes:
  • Cleft lip +/or palate ~ 15%
  • Cleft palate only ~ 50%
    
• Non-syndromic recurrence risk:
  • 3-5% with one affected family member
  • 10-12% with more than one affected family member

Prenatal Diagnosis

• Routine amniocentesis for chromosome count will not detect non-syndromic clefts
• High resolution ultrasound may detect a cleft, but diagnosis incomplete
• Prenatal consultation is available at our center to introduce team care and provide general information