Factors Associated With an Increased Risk of Facial Malformations

Background Facial anomalies comprise a significant component of birth defects, with oral clefts being the second most common entity in this group. All organ systems within the body can be affected by congenital anomalies, mostly affecting the musculoskeletal system. Birth defects are among the leading causes of infant mortality and morbidity around the world. Objectives To find the factors associated with an increased risk of facial malformations so that steps for improving preventive measures can be taken. Methodology This was a cross-sectional study in which the data were collected from the files of infants admitted to the pediatric department. Data regarding the type of congenital anomaly, maternal investigations done during pregnancy, maternal history of medication, diabetes, hypertension, radiation exposure, smoking, and alcohol history, and family history of congenital anomalies was collected from the files of neonates and from the pediatrician. In the case of unanswered questions, the parent was contacted after 10 days with their consent. Results Of the sample size of 259 children (males: 132; females: 127), 68 (26%) had a cleft lip, 69 (27%) had a cleft palate, 110 (42%) had both cleft lip and palate, five (2%) had a cleft lip with nasal deformity, five (2%) had a cleft lip and palate with nasal deformity, and two (1%) had hypertelorism. Eight percent of neonates with craniofacial malformations had a family history of congenital malformations; 80.7% of neonates had a history of parental consanguinity; and 19.3% were unrelated. In regard to the mothers, 41.3% of the mothers had diabetes, 4% had hypertension, 4% had both gestational diabetes and hypertension, and 55% had neither of these diseases. Of the 55% of mothers with neither disease, 75% were married to their cousins, while 25% were not married within the family. Practical implications This study, highlighting the major factors contributing to the incidence of congenital facial malformations, will educate the community and establish awareness among the younger generation of the top causes of anomalies, therefore making a huge impact on increasing efforts to reduce the prevalence of congenital anomalies. Conclusion Defects of both the cleft lip and palate had the highest prevalence of facial malformations among study subjects (110 patients (42%)). Parental consanguinity is one of the leading factors associated with an increased risk of facial malformations.