<< Back to the abstract archive
The Relationship between Consanguinity and Familial Clefting Among Palestinians
Omar Saeed, BS
John van Aalst, MD, MA
Meredith Licata Grogan Moore, BS
Hospital
2019-02-11
Presenter: Omar Saeed
Affidavit:
Omar Saeed
Director Name: John van Aalst
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Craniomaxillofacial
Introduction: Orofacial clefts (OFC) are the most common congenital craniofacial anomaly. The relationship between consanguinity and positive family history for OFC is not well described. Consanguinity rates in developed countries are <1% but are considerably higher in the Middle East (45%). Familial clefting rates in developed countries are under 20%, but in the Middle East are reported at 30% or higher.
Objective: To determine OFC demographics and to clarify the relationship between consanguinity and familial clefting among Palestinians.
Design: The Palestinian Congenial Anomalies Database is based on a 700-question survey administered to mothers of children with congenital anomalies. OFC were diagnosed in 540 children. All demographic data was analyzed using chi-squared tests with a level of significance at α < 0.05.
Results: Overall consanguinity rate was 53% and familial clefting rate was 49%. The most common consanguineous relationship was first cousin marriage (61%). Parental rates of consanguinity were significantly different for patients with cleft palate. Patients with consanguineous parents had a higher rate of positive family history of clefting (67%). Recurrence of clefts in siblings was significantly higher among those born to consanguineous parents (73%) when compared to non-consanguineous parents.
Conclusion: Consanguinity rates for Palestinians with OFC were higher than those reported in the Middle East. Familial clefting and sibling recurrence rates were also higher than expected. The risk of OFC may be mitigated with improved education about anticipated genetic consequences of consanguinity in high risk populations such as the southern West Bank.
