Cleft Lip and Palate

Educational Gap Physicians should be aware of the potential associated medical problems with orofacial clefts, including airway obstruction, feeding difficulties, speech and language abnormalities, otitis media, and underlying genetic syndromes. Objectives After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Understand the role of genetics and environmental factors in the incidence of orofacial clefts. 2. Be aware of the availability of special nipples and bottles for feeding some infants with orofacial clefts. 3. Recognize the associations between cleft palate and airway issues (Pierre Robin sequence) and palatal dysfunction and otitis media.