Non-syndromal oro-facial clefts in the Canterbury/ West Coast region, 1960-2000.
The paper-based clinical assessment notes from Christchurch Hospital Cleft Clinic were transferred to electronic form in 2002. This enabled analysis of the types of non-syndromal orofacial clefts presenting within the Canterbury and West Coast region over a 41 year period. The incidence of oro-facial clefting was similar to that described in previous New Zealand studies, but higher than that found in United Kingdom studies. Orthodontists providing care in the cleft clinics in New Zealand have begun to investigate the use of a standardised electronic national database of patients presenting with oro-facial clefts. It is expected that this could provide the basis for a more detailed, robust and standardised database for future analysis.
Fowler
Peter
P
Hospital Dental Service, Oral Health Centre, Christchurch Hospital. peter@braces.co.nz
Esson
Ian
I
D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019992:Databases as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D021362:Palate, Hard / Q000002:abnormalities; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000002:abnormalities