Analysis of haematological values in patients with cleft lip and/or cleft palate

Aim: To analyse the haematological values in patients with cleft lip and palate and compare it with normal values. Methods: Patient case records (N=821) were accessed to collect the data. The following information was collected from patient records: Age, Gender, type of cleft, Haematological values like Total leukocyte count, Differential leukocyte count, Haemoglobin, Packed cell volume, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Pearson’s chi-square test was performed for data analysis. Results: Compared to normal values, in cleft individuals there was increase in parameters like total leukocyte count (in 41.4% cases), neutrophil count (in 7.4% cases), lymphocyte count (in 17.4% cases), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (in 73.4% cases) which were statistically significant and there was a decreased monocyte count (in 99.1% cases), haemoglobin (in 55.5% cases), Packed Cell Volume (in 15.8% cases) which also showed statistical significance. Conclusion: Increased infections and compromised nutrition occurring in the cleft patients due to anatomical deficit may reflect on the haematological values.