European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Occurrence of structural and the morphological characteristics of lip prints depend upon habitual activities of any individual, exposure of environmental factors, genetic defects, mainly involvement in consumption of illicit drugs/ alcohol. In most of the cases, it has been observed that some abnormalities occur due to genetic factors at the time of birth. Lip phenotyping helps us to determine morphometric features.  Cleft lip/cleft palate is one among the craniofacial deformity that affects the phenotype of the lips. Chromosome 18q deletion syndrome is one of the syndromes causing cleft lip and cleft palate. Although aetiology of prints can be examined by ultrasound, amniocentesis yet the conclusion is established based on the affected chromosome with the help of genetic markers. This study is an attempt to find out the effect of chromosome 18q deletion and to determine identity of individual based on phenotyping¹. It can provide important clue about perpetrator involve in sexual assault cases/homicide cases where saliva/ sweat of an individual is recovered from the deceased body. Palatoscopy helps in determination of personality through palatal rugae with an application of investigative techniques.

Background: In recent anaesthesia practice, videolaryngoscopy is gradually replacing conventional Macintosh laryngoscopy in adult and paediatric patients particularly in difficult intubation scenario. In this study, we compared McGrath Mac videolaryngoscope and conventional Macintosh laryngoscope for laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation in cleft lip and palate surgeries.
Aim: To compare and assess the ease of placement of endotracheal tube in cleft lip and palate surgeries using McGrath Mac videolaryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope.  Methods: Sixty children less than 5 years of age, belonging to ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) I and II category, who were posted for cleft lip and palate repair were included in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each. In group I, Macintosh laryngoscope was used for laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation and in Group II, McGrath Mac videolaryngoscope was used. Parameters like range of visibility of  vocal cords (Cormack Lehane in Group I vs Fremantle score in Group II), requirement of external laryngeal manipulation (ELM), time taken for intubation and haemodynamic changes were assessed.Results: The time taken for endotracheal intubation was significantly higher in Group II (20.10±2.83s in Group I vs 24.57±3.52s in Group II, p<0.001). Requirement of ELM was significantly higher in Group I (24/30 vs 2/30, p < 0.001). The heart rates recorded at 1 min, 3 mins and 5 mins of laryngoscopy were significantly higher in Group I (139.7±12.06, 128.47±9.1, 119.37±8.96 vs 125.90±12.24, 120.00±8.35 and 113.03±9.76 in Group II respectively). Cormack Lehane gradings were comparable in both the groups. Conclusion: Laryngoscopy with McGrath VL significantly prolongs intubation time compared to conventional Macintosh laryngoscope in cleft lip and palate surgeries. The requirement for external laryngeal manipulation was less with McGrath VL and also less tachycardia was observed with McGrath VL than Macintosh laryngoscope.

Aim: Purpose of our research was to conduct a demographic analysis of palatal fistula in patients arriving in a tertiary care centre. Methodology: Retrospectively all the data was taken before repair of palatal fistula from the year January 2000 to June 2020 in JMMCH & RI, Thrissur were enrolled in the study. Subsequent variables: sex, cleft side, presence of Simonart’s band, initial cleft width, intraoperative problems, and postoperative problems were measured. A chi-square test was used as statistical measure to analyse the variables. Results: In age group 0-6 months; the fistula was mostly present in anterior region of hard palatal region (54%), whereas size of the fistula was mostly <0.4mm in 63% cases which was statistically significant (p=0.04). The results were statistically significant in case of patients belonging to 13-24 months (p=0.012) as well as in case of >24 months of age (p=0.045). Conclusion: We recommend a future prospective controlled study to study the factors that lower the incidence of fistula in bigger sample size population.

Cleft lip or cleft palate are the openings or splits in the upper lip of the roof of the mouth or both. Cleft lip
/ palate affects approximately 1 in 700 live births. Most clefts are likely caused by multiple genetic and non genetic factors. Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common congenital defects of birth. Cleft lip and cleft palate occurs in the forms of syndromic and non syndromic. Prosthodontic rehabilitation aims at providing a better oral health by aiming to improve functional and esthetic demands. Patients suffering from cleft palate are not seen generally much but their number is not negligible as well. The aim of the present study is to study and analyze the knowledge of prosthodontic rehabilitation of cleft lip and cleft palate patients among undergraduate dental students and to create an awareness on this topic. A questionnaire was created and circulated on an online platform and the responses were collected . The datas were collected and analysed with the help of statistical software SPSS. The data collection software used is google forms . The steps followed in software analysis are data collection, data analysis and data interpretation. The results show that most respondents were aware of prosthodontic rehabilitation of cleft lip and cleft palate patients among dental students. The chi square test shows that most of the female respondents are more aware about prosthodontic rehabilitation of cleft lip and cleft palate patients.