Medical rehabilitation of children with isolated cleft palate

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to increase the efficacy on rendering a specialized medical aid to children with isolated cleft palate. With a view to organizing, planning and forecasting of therapeutic and preventive care for children with cleft palate in the Republic of Moldova was conducted epidemiological study with the definition of the frequency of this defect and trends of indicators in the period 2005-2009. Their incidence in Moldova was 1, 32:1000 live-borns. The highest incidence was noted in the southern and central regions of the republic. The increase of incidence up to 0,31:1000 live-born in comparation with the period 1987- 2000. The incidence of separate cleft lip (CL) decreased 0,04 and incidence of cleft lip and palate (CLP) increased 0,08 and the incidence of cleft palate (CP) increased 0,17 per 1000 live-born, that rezulted in the change of the ratio between the certain form of lip and palate clefts (CL:CLP:CP) from 1:1,3:1,2 to 1:1,8:2. This means the increase of the abnormality severity. It is noted the predominance of isolated cleft palate. The prerequisite for the full oral rehabilitation and social adaptation of cleft palate patients is a consistent, comprehensive care system, providing a well organised integration of preventive and interceptive measures, as well as close cooperation between the various specialised disciplines. The paper describes in detail the etiology, pathogenesis, and modem methods of prenatal diagnosis, clinical and early rehabilitation of these patients in a specialized centre. In children with isolated cleft palate, palate repair is generally performed before 1 year of age. Early restoration of the anatomical structures of the palate creates the conditions for speech production and integration of the child in society according to age.