Prevalence of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and purpose: Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common congenital defects in the jaw and face. These defects can make serious problems, such as facial deformity, nutritional problems, respiratory problems, and difficulties with social interaction. Awareness of the incidence of these defects in the community is important. In a systematic review and meta-analysis we aimed at investigating the prevalence of cleft lip and cleft palate in Iran. An advanced search was conducted in all credible databases to access relevant articles using related keywords until February 1, 2018. After removing the duplicate, irrelevant, and poor quality papers, 17 articles were included. Data were analyzed applying random effects model in RevMan5.3 software. Total number of samples in selected articles was 1,077,537 neonates. Prevalence of oral cleft, both cleft lip and cleft palate, cleft lip, and cleft palate was 1.24 (CI 95%; 1.10-1.38), 0.88 (CI 95%; 0.70-1.06), 0.34 (CI 95%; 0.28-0.40), and 0.35 (CI 95%; 0.27-0.43) in 1000 live births. The prevalence of this disorder was found to be higher in males (1.82 vs. 1.09). The overall prevalence of cleft lip and cleft palate in this study was lower than that in other countries in the Middle East and Asia. But its prevalence varies in different parts of Iran, therefore, it is necessary to investigate the risk factors in high risk areas and making appropriate plans to reduce the rate of cleft lip and cleft palate.