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Published on: November 4, 2025
Evaluation of Parental Nasomaxillary Asymmetry as a Risk Factor for Development of Palatal Clefts in their Offsprings
Dinesh Kumar S1, K Gopalkrishnan2, C Bhasker Rao3
1Assistant Professor, Mahatma Gandhi Dental College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Insights
This study found that parents of children with orofacial clefting had narrower nasomaxillary width on the same side as the cleft. This craniofacial morphology may play a role in the development of cleft lip and palate.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial morphology
- Genetics and embryology
- Clefting disorders
Background:
- Previous research suggests a link between increased midfacial width and palatal clefting.
- Craniofacial morphology is a significant heritable factor in embryonic orofacial clefting.
- Orofacial clefting, including cleft lip and palate, has complex etiopathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the nasomaxillary width of parents of children with unilateral complete cleft lip alveolus and palate (UCLP) to parents of noncleft children.
- To investigate the potential association between parental craniofacial morphology and UCLP in offspring.
Main Methods:
- PA cephalometric analysis was performed on 25 parent sets of children with UCLP and 25 parent sets of noncleft children.
- Measurements focused on nasomaxillary width to assess craniofacial dimensions.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant overall difference in nasomaxillary width was found between the study and control groups.
- A significant association was observed between the side of the cleft in affected children and a narrower nasomaxillary width in the corresponding parent.
Conclusions:
- The findings contrast with some previous studies suggesting wider midfacial structures.
- A narrower nasomaxillary width, particularly on the side of the cleft, may be morphogenetically important in the etiopathogenesis of orofacial clefting in this population.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the role of specific craniofacial dimensions in cleft development.
Abstract:
Background and Objectives : It has been suggested previously that increased width of midfacial structure is associated with the development of palatal clefting. One of the most important heritable characteristics predisposing towards the development of orofacial clefting in an embryo is craniofacial morphology. The aim of the study was to compare nasomaxillary width of parents of children with unilateral complete cleft lip alveolus and palate with parents of noncleft children. Methods : 25 biologic parent sets of children with unilateral complete cleft lip alveolus and palate and 25 biologic parents of noncleft children were included in this study for PA cephalometric analysis. Results : There was no statistically significant difference between study and control groups. An association was found between the side of the cleft in the affected children and the parents in the same side with narrower nasomaxillary width. Interpretation and conclusion : The result of this study was in contrast with other previous studies. We observed a narrower nasomaxillary width, which suggested that this feature may be of morphogenetic importance in the etiopathogenesis of orofacial clefting in this geographic and ethnic group.
