Diego Mittersteiner & Sergio Olate
Summary
Craniofacial malformations are complex pathologies that affect life in different ways. The objective of this research is to identify the prevalence of craniofacial malformations and to determine their management at the Hospital Hernán Henriquez Aravena (HHHA) in Temuco. This research was realized in the neonatology unit of this hospital, studying all admissions with some craniofacial malformation diagnostic during the period between January 2006 and August 2010. We studied variables from patient, mother, diagnostic and treatment. The information was analyzed in a descriptive way. We found 44 cases with craniofacial malformations, with 56.82% male and 22.73% belonging to the Mapuche ethnic group. The majority of the cases had weight according to their gestational age. More than 30% of the cases were preterm. Further, 52.27% were under 30 years old. 50% were managed in the critically ill patient unit, 16% of the cases needed surgery during their hospital staying in the neonatology unit and nearly 70% of the cases were discharged alive to their home, other unit or hospital. We concluded that cleft lip and palate was the most prevalent craniofacial malformation and multidisciplinary management for complex cases is necessary. 11 cases in one year requires an active team in the area.
KEY WORDS: malformation, cleft palate, craniofacial syndrome.
How to cite this article
MITTERSTEINER, D. & OLATE, S. Craniofacial malformation in a high complexity regional hospital. Int. J. Odontostomat., 7(2):179-184, 2013.