Common Craniofacial Malformations In Children

Craniofacial malformations are deformities of the head and face. These occur at birth and can range from mild to severe malformations. In some cases, surgery may be needed to correct them.

Craniofacial malformations are among the most common birth defects in infants. The most common are cleft lip and palate. These affect the lip, nose, gums and mouth.

Some children are born with severe craniofacial syndromes that include the jaws, eyelids, ears and skull. These of course affect the appearance, but they also affect more than that.

They also interfere with a person’s speech, ability to eat, hearing, sight and breathing. In other words, they have a strong impact on a child’s everyday life. However, the consequences of craniofacial malformations vary greatly depending on the given case. They can range from very minor problems to serious problems related to sight, hearing and learning.

Studies confirm that craniofacial malformations are among the most common birth defects. While most cases are isolated and sporadic, they are associated with a wide range of genetic syndromes. A correct diagnosis can help parents deal with the problem and seek specific advice.

Factors that cause craniofacial malformations in infants

Often, specialists do not determine a single cause of malformations. In fact, there are a combination of factors that can play an important role in their development, such as genetic factors, folic acid deficiency during pregnancy and environmental factors – such as exposure to hazardous chemicals. We discuss them in more detail below.

1. Genetic factors

Children can get a specific gene from one parent, or a combination of genes from both parents. The genes may also have changed at the time of conception.

2. Environmental factors

There are currently no data to show a direct correlation between exposure to certain drugs or chemicals and craniofacial malformations. However, doctors may ask parents about any prenatal exposure to such substances.

Lack of folic acid

Folic acid is a B vitamin found in green vegetables, orange juice and fortified grains. It plays an important role in the prevention of birth defects. Experts believe that women who do not get enough folic acid during pregnancy have a higher risk of having children with certain congenital birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate.

What are the most common craniofacial malformations?

Below are some of the most common craniofacial malformations in infants:

• Slit in lip. Also called harmynt. This malformation occurs when a child’s lip is not completely formed.
• Cleft palate. An opening or gap that involves both sides of the palate. It can extend from the front of a child’s mouth to the neck.
• Plagiocephaly or oblique skull deformity. An asymmetrical, deformed head shape as a result of repeated pressure on the same part of the head.
• Hemifacial microsomia or Goldenhar’s syndrome . Underdeveloped tissue on one side of the face that mainly affects the areas around the ear, mouth and jaw.
• Craniosynthesis. The sutures of the skull grow together too quickly. This causes problems with normal growth of the brain and skull.
• Congenital vascular malformation. A birthmark or a growth that consists of blood vessels.

• Hemangioma or strawberry mark. Blood vessels with abnormal growth on the skin. It may be present at birth, or appear during the first months of a baby’s life.

Treatments for craniofacial malformations in infants

Craniofacial malformations are birth defects that involve the baby’s face or head. Of course, they can also affect other parts of the body. Treatments are available for many craniofacial deformities and vary widely depending on each specific condition.

Some minor defects do not require any medical treatment, while others involve surgery, as in the case of cleft lip and palate. Some craniofacial defects are more serious and cause permanent damage. Fortunately, there are treatments and resources that offer support to these children and their families.

In summary, there is no direct factor that causes craniofacial malformations in infants, but rather it is a combination of several factors: genetic, environmental and nutritional, e.g. deficiency of folic acid.