ABSTRACT
Background: Cleft lip and palate is a common congenital anomaly affecting approximately 1 in 700 live births in south Asia. It is often associated with syndromes and other malformations but the exact incidence of these in Asians is not known. The present study was carried out to determine the association of other congenital anomalies in children with cleft.Methods: The study was carried out in the patients attending the Cleft centre of our Hospital. They were examined for other major external congenital malformations and syndrome association.' Where ever relevant, appropriate investigations were done.Results: Of the total of 2367 children examined, 262 (11.06%) had congenital malformations.' Among the non-syndromic children, 9% had associated malformations.' The commonest was congenital heart disease (1.4%) following by genitourinary and skeletal anomalies.' The highest number of anomalies was seen in patients with cleft palate alone (24.89%). 1.4% patients had identifiable syndromes.Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need for a thorough examination of all children with cleft.' The overall lower incidence of syndromic clefts and associated anomalies in present study suggests that other etiological factors may be involved in our country.