Cleft Lip and/or Palate and Associated Risks in Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE

To identify and review published data on the risks associated with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs).

DESIGN

A systematic review of literature was performed on electronic databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Literature on risks associated with CL/P in LMICs, from 2010 to 2020, were included.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies adopted an observational study design. Biological and environmental risks were identified. Maternal and paternal age (n = 7) and low socioeconomic status (n = 5) were the most prominently associated environmental risk factors. A strong association was identified between family history of cleft (n = 7) and CL/P occurrence.

CONCLUSION

Environmental risk factors are now being investigated more than biological risk factors in LMICs, aiding health care workers in the early identification of possible cumulative effects of risks in CL/P. Contextually relevant tools are recommended to promote early identification of at-risk infants.