“US Air Pollution and Increased Incidence of Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip/Palate” - Association does not Imply Causality

Cleft lip/palate (CLP) is a facial abnormality commonly managed by craniofacial surgeons that may be linked to an inherent genetic anomaly or categorized as a distinct and non-syndromic orofacial cleft (NSOFC). NSOFC comprises approximately 70 –75% of all instances involving cleft lip alone or cleft lip and palate in infants1. Tobacco exposure, genetic factors, alcohol use, and drug consumption are linked to the incidence of non-syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFC), but the precise mechanism by which pollutants interfere with embryonic de velopment remains elusive.

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery - February 1, 2024 Category: Cosmetic Surgery Authors: Georgios Karamitros, Gregory A. Lamaris, Sofoklis Goulas Tags: Correspondence and Communications Source Type: research