Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the possible factors involved in intelligent development of children with cleft Lip and palate.
Methods: The intelligence quotient (IQ) and developmental quotient (DQ) of 152 children with cleft lip and palate under 14 years old were conducted, and the control group was made up of 80 healthy children. The considered factors included degrees of deformation, situation of perinatal period, way of feeding, psychological conditions of the children, general situation of their parents and education of these children. The data were statistically analyzed and compared.
Results: The IQ value of these children generally was normal, but the mean value was still lower than that of the control group (P < 0.01). The mean IQ value of the group of children with only cleft lip or cleft palate was higher than that of the group with both cleft lip and cleft palate, and the mean IQ value of these children with II degree deformity was higher than that of children with III degree deformity. The mean IQ value of these children feed with mother's milk was higher than that of those feed with artificial milk. These children more than 5 years old were disturbed psychologically, and their parents were also with pressure.
Conclusion: The intelligent development of children with cleft lip and palate is affected by many factors, including types and degrees of deformity, feeding ways, illnesses and social psychological factors in different periods of development. Therefore, it is very important to take steps before 5 years old, including correctly feeding, repairing the deformity as early as possible, preventing the illnesses, necessary psychological treatment, improving social environment.