Cleft lip : causes and treatment of cleft lip

Cleft lip :-

Cleft lip is one of the congenital deformity seen in newborns. ” the deformity formed in lip due to incomplete fusion of facial muscles during intrauterine life , forms abnormal division in lips is called as cleft lip”. cleft may also associated with cleft palate. cleft lip can be treated successfully with surgeries. The inability of facial muscles to fuse leads to cleft lip, and forms a gap, usually in upper lip.

Causes of cleft lip:-

* genetic factor : studies have shown an abnormal gene causes cleft lip.
* malformation during embryonic stage of first 6 to 8 weeks, in intrauterine life.
* maternal diseases, during pregnancy.
* if mother uses anticonvulsive drugs, as a side effect cleft lip may occur.
* mother is alcoholic or smoker.
* exposure of mother to lead during pregnancy,
* maternal narcotic drug abuse,

Treatment of cleft lip:-

* surgery is the most effective treatment for cleft lip.
* The surgery is conducted after 6 or 8th week.
* rule of 10 ‘s are followed for surgery, i.e.
* 10 pound weight of baby,
* 10 weeks after birth,
* 10 gm of haemoglobin.
* lip gap is filled by surgery.
* after surgery care to be taken to avoid infection.
* speech therapy is needed in later days.