Growth in infants in the first two years of life after neonatal repair for unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Objective: To evaluate the growth during the first two years of life in infants after unilateral cleft lip and palate neonatal repair.

Method: All mature infants with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (NSUCLP) born between 2004 and 2007 were included. Information concerning growth was collected. Weight and length at birth, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of age measurements and data regarding feeding were obtained.

Results: Weight and length at birth, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of age were identical with reference curve values. Children with NSUCLP showed a normal growth at two years. The weight curves lie between 5th and the 50th percentile for girls and between 10th and higher than the 97th percentile for boys. The height curves lie between -1 Standard Deviation and +1 Standard Deviation for girls and 0 and +2 Standard Deviation for boys.

Conclusion: Feeding difficulties are reported in infants with cleft lip and/or palate CLP/CP. However, the growth in children with NSUCLP and after neonatal cleft lip repair is identical with reference curve values.