RISK FACTORS OF CLEFT LIP AND PALATE IN GEORGIA

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Public Health
• Genetics

Background:

• Orofacial clefts, including cleft lip and palate, are common congenital malformations.
• Identifying risk factors is crucial for prevention and intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the risk factors associated with the development of cleft lip and palate.
• To determine the most significant factors contributing to these congenital anomalies.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted with mothers of infants diagnosed with orofacial clefts (cases) and mothers of healthy infants (controls).
• Data on potential risk factors were collected via a special form.
• Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify significant risk factors, calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Main Results:

• Maternal stressful situations during pregnancy emerged as the most significant risk factor for cleft lip and palate (adjusted OR=7.76, 95% CI: 1.93-31.33).
• Infectious diseases (OR=2.10, 95% CI: 0.77-5.70) and medication use (OR=2.22, 95% CI: 0.77-10.41) during the first trimester also showed an impact.
• Noncommunicable diseases during the first trimester also presented a potential risk (OR=2.88, 95% CI: 0.83-9.97).

Conclusions:

• Maternal stress is a primary risk factor for cleft lip and palate.
• Infections, diseases, and medication use in early pregnancy are also associated with an increased risk.
• These findings highlight the importance of stress management and careful medication use during pregnancy.