Approach to a Child with Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP) – Perinatal Management: A Narrative Review

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are among the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies, affecting approximately 1 in 700 births globally. This narrative review discusses the multifactorial etiology of CLP, including genetic predisposition and environmental triggers such as maternal smoking, alcohol use, and nutritional deficiencies. The importance of early diagnosis through prenatal ultrasonography and the role of a multidisciplinary approach in managing CLP are emphasized. Early identification allows for timely intervention, specialized feeding methods, and parental counseling, which can significantly reduce anxiety and improve outcomes. The review highlights the critical role of a multidisciplinary cleft team, comprising plastic surgeons, pediatricians, speech therapists, orthodontists, and other specialists, in providing comprehensive care. This team approach ensures coordinated surgical repairs, ongoing support for feeding, hearing, speech development, and psychosocial well-being. The manuscript also explores the various surgical techniques for lip and palate repair, the use of specialized feeding bottles, and the importance of speech therapy and orthodontic care in the long-term management of CLP. Additionally, the review addresses the challenges faced in India, where a substantial number of infants are born with clefts each year. It underscores the need for raising awareness, improving access to specialized care, and supporting families through government programs and NGO initiatives. The future trends in cleft care, including tissue engineering, 3D printing, and the application of artificial intelligence, are also discussed, offering hope for improved outcomes and reduced treatment burdens.