FREQUENCY OF CARDIAC ANOMALIES IN PATIENTS WITH CLEFT LIP AND PALATE PRESENTED AT HAYATABAD MEDICAL COMPLEX

Cleft lip and/or palate are among the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies and are often associated with other systemic anomalies, including congenital cardiac anomalies (CCAs). The identification of CCAs in these patients is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes and long-term health. Objective: To determine the frequency and types of congenital cardiac anomalies (CCAs) in patients with cleft lip and/or palate. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the burns and plastic surgery unit, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. Children aged 3 to 10 years with cleft lip, cleft palate, or both were included. All patients underwent a detailed echocardiographic evaluation to identify CCAs, which were categorized as Atrial septal defect (ASD), Ventricular septal defect (VSD) and Mitral regurgitation. Results: Out of 73 patients included, 13.7% were found to have CCAs. The most common anomalies were atrial septal defect (6.8%), ventricular septal defect (4.1%), and mitral regurgitation (2.7%). ASD was observed exclusively in males, while VSD was more common in females. The younger age group (3–6 years) showed a higher prevalence of ASD. No significant associations were observed between CCAs and socioeconomic status or cleft type. Conclusion: Congenital cardiac anomalies are prevalent in patients with cleft lip and palate, with atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect being the most common.