OBJECTIVETo analyze the relationship between cleft severity and incidence of associated heart defect in children with isolated cleft palate (CP), as well as the characteristics of the heart defect.

METHODSFrom Aug 2008 and Dec 2009, a total 416 children with CP underwent echocardiogram, and were divided into complete and incomplete CP groups. Then each group was further classified as unilateral or bilateral groups. Incomplete CP was subdivided into submucous cleft palate, soft palate cleft, hard and soft palate cleft. The associated heart defects were recorded and analyzed in each group. The data were analyzed statistically using SPSS 13.0. Chi-square test was used to compare the incidence between groups.

RESULTSIn the series of 416 patients, 46 (11.1%) children were found to have an associated congenital heart disease. The incidence of heart defect was 9.9% (38/384) in the incomplete cleft group, and 25% (8/32) in the complete cleft group, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( F = 6.852, P < 0.05). Atrial septal defect was the most common heart defect, which accounted for 52.2% (24/46) of all associated heart malformations.

CONCLUSIONSCompared to incomplete cleft palate, complete cleft palate has a higher risk of heart defect. Cleft severity may be a predictor for congenital heart diseases in cleft palate. Routine echocardiogram should be considered in CP patients.