Frequency of congenital craniofacial malformations in a Brazilian Reference Center

objective: to evaluate the frequency of craniofacial anomalies in patients treated at a brazilian reference center for craniofacial deformities. method: retrospective epidemiological study evaluating the clinical records of 1,142 patients: 656 (57.4%) male and 486 (42.6%) female, between 1992 and 2008. results: among birth defects, non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate were the most frequent ones (778 cases; 68.1%), followed by single or multiple congenital anomalies without cleft lip and/or palate (240 cases; 21%), recognized syndromes or sequences (56 cases; 5%), syndromes with orofacial cleft as a component (41 cases; 3.5%), and orofacial clefts in association with systemic malformations (27 cases; 2.4%). conclusions: non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate was the congenital defect most frequently identified, although, isolated anomalies and syndromes involving craniofacial structures were quite frequent. furthermore, the need for studies to identify the frequency and risk factors associated with craniofacial anomalies in the brazilian population is emphasized in order to plan comprehensive strategies and integrated actions for the development of preventive programs and treatment.