Study note
PediatricsNewborn Care

Cleft lip and cleft palate: recognition, associations, and feeding

THE CONTEXT
Oral clefts are the most common craniofacial malformation in newborns.

Forms and extent

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Oral clefts include cleft lip alone, cleft lip with cleft palate, and cleft palate alone.
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Cleft lip and palate can be unilateral or bilateral.
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A cleft palate may involve the anterior portion, the posterior soft palate, or the entire palate.

Recognition and associated anomalies

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A cleft lip is readily recognized, but identifying a cleft palate requires careful inspection of the oral cavity.
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A soft palate cleft can easily be missed unless the neonate is examined carefully.
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Associated malformations can be present in one-third of cases. Ventricular septal defect is a commonly associated anomaly with cleft palate.

Feeding

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Cleft palate can cause feeding problems. Gavage feeding or spoon-feeding may be used for the first few days.
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Bottle feeding may be tried using a long soft nipple.
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