Higher risk of respiratory infections and otitis media in cleft lip and/or palate patients: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study

Abstract

Background: Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is one of the most frequent craniofacial disorder which could associate with a wide range of craniofacial complication. In order to perform comprehensive care of CL/P patients, it is crucial to elucidate the link of CL/P and general clinical conditions. This study aims to elucidate the relationships between medical history of different CL/P types and infectious diseases to serve as a reference for the comprehensive care of patients with CL/P. Methods: We investigated the association between a history different types of CL/P and the risk of infectious diseases among 1-year old children in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS). Among the 104,065 registered fetal records, 92,590 eligible participants were included in the analysis. Results: The multivariable-adjusted risk ratios (95% confidence intervals) for otitis media were increased in cleft lip and palate (CLP) and cleft palate only (CPO) groups by 3.81 (2.73–5.31) and 2.27 (1.22–4.22), respectively. The prevalence of Upper respiratory inflammation (URTI) was not associated with CLP, cleft lip only, or CPO. However, analysis in all groups showed a higher risk of URTI compared with the control group (1.31 [1.04–1.66]). Conclusions: CL/P care requires additional attention to prevent airway infectious diseases such as URTI before 1 year of age. Further research is warranted to elucidate the relationship between CL/P and general medical conditions.

Keywords

• cleft lip and/or palate
• upper respiratory inflammation
• otitis media
• large cohort