Chapter 4: Will It Occur Again?

In approximately 30 per cent of children with clefts a specific cause can be found. It may be due to a chromosome imbalance, or a specific genetic condition which could be inherited through families, or exposure during pregnancy to certain toxic substances such as alcohol or some anti-epileptic medications. The risk of recurrence in each of these situations will depend on the cause.

The cause of clefts is not known in 70 per cent of children affected, but recurrence risk rates for this group can be calculated. For instance, where there is no other family member affected, and the clefting is the only problem, the risk of another baby being born with a cleft is approximately 2-3 per cent. The chance of recurrence is often not as high as imagined by many parents: for example, even if both parents are affected, the recurrence risk is 30 per cent or one chance in three.

As the recurrence risk rate may vary from zero to as high as one chance in two, it is important that each child with a cleft and his or her family should have individual genetic counselling. A medical genetics specialist is often part of the team of treating professionals, or if not, a referral can be arranged separately.

Further Information

To obtain further information on "Cleft Lip and Palate: A Parent's Guide", please contact Belinda Liston:

Belina Liston
Cleft Palate Clinic Coordinator
The Cleft Palate Clinic
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Locked Bag 4001
WESTMEAD NSW 2145
AUSTRALIA
T: + 61 2 9845 2079
F: + 61 2 9845 2078
E: BelindaS4@chw.edu.au