Efficacy of rhBMP-2 in Cleft Lip and Palate Defects: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of using rhBMP-2 (recombinant human morphogenetic protein-2) in the treatment of patients with cleft lip and palate defects (CLPD). Seven databases were screened: PubMed (Medline), Lilacs, Ibecs, Web of Science, BBO, Scopus, and The Cochrane Library. Clinical trials that evaluated the use of bioactive treatment with rhBMP-2 in the treatment of patients with CLPD were included. Statistical analyses were performed by comparing the standardized mean difference of bone formation volume and bone filling percentage (p = 0.05). Ten studies compared the use of rhBMP-2 and iliac crest bone graft (ICBG). The global analysis for bone formation volume and bone filling percentage showed that bioactive materials were similar to ICBG with a standardized mean difference of respectively 0.07 (95% CI - 0.41 to 0.56) and 0.24 (95% CI - 0.32 to 0.80). The available literature suggested that use of rhBMP-2 presented similar bone formation results to those of ICBG in secondary alveolar bone grafting for patients with CLPD.