Background and objective.

Cleft lip and palate are associated with several factors including demographic and genetic factors among others. The estimated prevalence of the disease is 1-600 worldwide.

Our aim is to study the relationship between the prevalence of cleft lip and palate and several factors associated to the disease in Mexico.

Methods.

A total of 209 patients with cleft lip and palate (isolated or combined) were included. Patients were referred from both public and private hospitals. Data were collected through direct interview and questionnaire with patientes´ mother or parent.

Results.

In our study, 47.8% patients were female. Mean age was 8.9 ± 7.3 years old; 163 patients (78%) had a combined cleft-lip and palate, and 46 (22%) had an isolated cleft lip or palate. Mother´s age was directly associated with the prevalence of cleft lip and palate. The history of facial clefts in the family was also directly related to the presence of a combined cleft, in contrast to an isolated cleft. (41.1% vs 26.1% respectively).

Conclusions.

In our study, both cleft lip and palate were directly related to the age of the mother. Thus, we believe that future studies should address the importance of preventive measures and treatment in the woman with a high-risk pregnancy (such as adolescent teens with pregnancy and elderly women).

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