Assessment of the correlation between various risk factors and orofacial cleft disorder spectrum: a retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND: Orofacial clefts (OFCs) comprise a wide range of malformations, including cleft lip, cleft palate, and cleft lip with cleft palate, which can vary in terms of etiology, severity, and disease burden. OBJECTIVE(S): This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between various risk factors and orofacial cleft disorder spectrum in newborns. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 323 cases and 400 controls were enrolled in this study and evaluated in terms of the maternal history of abortion or miscarriage, child’s sex, maternal and paternal age, maternal history of systemic disease, history of medication therapy during pregnancy, birth order, consanguineous marriage, and complications during pregnancy. RESULTS: Analysis of the results suggested that consanguineous marriage, a maternal history of abortion/miscarriage, and complications during pregnancy could potentially increase the risk of OFCs in children (P < 0.05). However, the analyses revealed that the other variables could not potentially increase the risk of OFCs (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION(S): Multiple cofactors may simultaneously contribute to the formation of such abnormalities; therefore, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary care program is necessary to ensure a successful pregnancy period and the birth of a healthy newborn.