Orofacial Cleft and Poor Birth Health Outcomes: A Populational Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Genetics

Background:

• Orofacial clefts are common congenital anomalies.
• Existing research suggests potential links between orofacial clefts and adverse birth outcomes, but comprehensive population-based data is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of poor birth health outcomes in newborns with orofacial clefts.
• To identify specific adverse birth outcomes associated with orofacial clefts using a large population-based dataset.

Main Methods:

• A population-based cross-sectional study utilizing U.S. Vital Statistics Natality Birth Data (2017-2023).
• Analysis included over 25 million live births, comparing infants with and without orofacial clefts.
• Prevalence ratios and logistic regression models were employed to assess associations between orofacial cleft status and various birth health variables.

Main Results:

• Newborns with orofacial clefts exhibited significantly higher prevalence of cesarean delivery, low birth weight, lower 5-minute Apgar scores, and prematurity.
• Increased rates of abnormal birth conditions and difficulties with breastfeeding were observed in infants with orofacial clefts.
• These associations remained statistically significant even after adjustments, with nonisolated clefts showing even higher prevalence ratios for adverse outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Newborns with orofacial clefts are at an increased prevalence of adverse birth health outcomes.
• Orofacial clefts are associated with a higher susceptibility to low birth weight and preterm birth.
• The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and care for infants diagnosed with orofacial clefts.