UK cleft lip and palate care: a contemporary perspective

Abstract

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is the most common craniofacial congenital disorder and one of the most common congenital abnormalities overall. It presents with both gender and ethnic variability as well as syndromic and non-syndromic presentations. The UK model for CLP care is well established, evidence based and showcases an interplay of clinical, audit and research activity on a national scale. This article is a general overview of CLP for the paediatrician within the UK context. It discusses epidemiology, embryology, genetics, classification, UK cleft infrastructure and the schedule of cleft care. It concludes with future insights and further reading recommendations. Throughout, the role of various members of the cleft multidisciplinary team (MDT) are highlighted with especial emphasis on the role of the paediatrician. Upon reading this overview, the reader can expect to understand the multi-faceted elements of CLP care spanning from the antenatal period, throughout childhood and into adulthood.