Title: How Babies With Cleft Conditions Grow in Their First 18 Months
Key Words: PEDSnet, cleft lip, cleft palate, infant growth, weight and length
This study looked at how babies with cleft lip and/or cleft palate grow during their first year and a half of life. Researchers used medical records from eight children’s hospitals in the PEDSnet network. They studied more than 10,000 children with different types of cleft conditions.
The study found that babies with clefts grew more slowly in the first four months, especially in weight and length compared to children without a cleft. After that, many babies with a cleft gained weight more[delete] quickly, but their length did not improve as much. Children with cleft palate had the most trouble staying at a healthy weight and height.
Across all hospitals, babies with clefts were more likely to be underweight or shorter than expected for their age compared to children without a cleft. Growth patterns also differed from hospital to hospital, suggesting that care practices may play a role. The researchers say babies with clefts may need extra growth checks early in life.
Takeaways
Why does this matter? Early growth problems can affect a baby’s health, so spotting them quickly helps doctors give the right support.
What does this mean for patients and families? Using large networks like PEDSnet helps hospitals understand how to better monitor and care for babies with clefts, especially during the important first months of life.
Citation
McKinney CM, Howard W, Bijlani K, et al. Growth in Children with a Cleft Lip and/or Palate in 8 US Hospitals: A Retrospective Cohort Study. JDR Clinical & Translational Research. 2026;0(0). doi:10.1177/23800844261423910