Craniofacial microsomia – more than a structural malformation

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the prevalence and distribution of craniofacial microsomia (CFM) cases in Finland and their most frequent comorbidities. The second aim was to analyse the patients' need for specialized healthcare services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were gathered from two complementary registers: The Register of Congenital Malformations and the Care Register for Social Welfare and Health Care (Hilmo) of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). RESULTS: The prevalence of CFM patients in Finland was 1:10 057. They were evenly distributed across the five university hospital districts. Their most frequently used ICD‐10 diagnosis codes were F40‐48 (Neurotic, stress‐related and somatoform disorders), 60% of patients in adolescent and adult psychiatry; Q67.0 (Facial asymmetry), 43% in plastic surgery; Z00.4 (General psychiatric examination, not elsewhere classified), 31% in child psychiatry; Z31.5 (Genetic counselling), 28% in clinical genetics and Q67.40 (Other congenital deformities of the skull, face and jaw, Hemifacial atrophy), 18% in dental, oral and maxillofacial diseases. Of the patients, 70% had had visits in clinical genetics, 60% in plastic surgery, 41% in dental, oral and maxillofacial diseases, 28% in adolescent/adult psychiatry and 21% in child psychiatry. The majority of the patients' plastic surgery visits were concentrated in one university hospital. Other services were mainly provided by patients' own hospital districts. CONCLUSIONS: Even though the majority of CFM patients' visits in specialized healthcare services are related to correction of facial asymmetry and ear malformations, the obvious need for psychiatric care was apparent in all age groups.