Statistical Data On Cleft Lip And Palate In Karakalpakstan

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and regional distribution of congenital cleft lip and palate (CCLP) in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, from 2017 to 2021, and to substantiate the need for establishing a specialized rehabilitation center for affected children.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical-statistical data was conducted for the five-year period, encompassing 190,558 live births. The frequency of CCLP and its subtypes (unilateral/bilateral clefts, isolated cleft lip, isolated cleft palate, and atypical clefts) was calculated. Data were stratified by administrative district to assess geographic variation and potential environmental risk factors.

Results: During the study period, 254 children were born with maxillofacial pathology, yielding an overall CCLP birth frequency of 1:750 (approximately 1.33 per 1000 live births). Significant regional variation was observed. Districts with minimal industrial activity, such as Khojayli (0.76/1000), Amudarya, and Kegeyli (both 0.8/1000), had the lowest rates. In contrast, the highest frequencies were recorded in Muynak (2.82/1000), Buzatau (2.5/1000), and Takhtakupir (2.28/1000), areas notably impacted by environmental factors associated with the Aral Sea region.

Conclusion: The prevalence of CCLP in Karakalpakstan remains high and unevenly distributed, with a strong indication of environmental influence in regions with heightened industrial or ecological burden. The absence of a unified treatment protocol and a specialized care center hinders effective, standardized rehabilitation. The study underscores the urgent necessity to create a dedicated multidisciplinary center equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical capabilities, supported by an integrated computer-based information system for patient management, data analysis, and outcome comparison, to improve the quality of life for children with CCLP.