Cleft lip and palate is a congenital developmental malformation of the oral and maxillofacial surfaces that develops during embryonic development in the mother’s body. During the development of the fetus, especially during the first 12 weeks of fetal development, if the normal development and fusion of the embryonic processes are obstructed by certain factors, different malformations may occur in the fetus.
The exact cause and pathogenesis of impaired germline development and fusion are not fully understood and may be due to multiple factors rather than a single factor.
According to a large number of studies, the possible factors are as follows: 1. Genetic factors: In some patients with cleft lip and palate, similar malformations can be found in their immediate or collateral relatives, thus it is believed that cleft lip and palate malformations have some relationship with genetics. Genetic studies also believe that cleft lip and palate is a polygenic hereditary disease.
Nutritional factors: Various causes of vitamin deficiency in women during pregnancy may also lead to the occurrence of congenital malformations.
3, infection and injury: clinical findings, the mother in the early stages of pregnancy, such as certain injuries, especially damage to the uterus and adjacent parts, such as incomplete abortion or unscientific drug abortion can affect the development of the embryo and lead to malformations.
In the early stages of pregnancy, the mother suffers from viral infectious diseases such as rubella, which may also affect the development of the embryo and become a cause of malformation.
4, endocrine influence: during pregnancy, such as pregnant women due to physiological, mental and injury reasons, can make the body adrenaline secretion increase, thus inducing congenital malformations.
5, drug factors: Most drugs can enter the embryo through the placenta after entering the mother’s body. Some drugs may cause malformation, such as cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, phenytoin sodium, antihistamines, minkajin, thalidomide, etc. may cause fetal malformation.
6, physical factors: during the development of the fetus, such as frequent exposure to radiation or microwaves may affect the growth and development of the fetus and lead to the occurrence of cleft lip and palate.
7, smoking and alcohol factors: epidemiological survey data show that: women who smoke a lot (including passive smoking) and alcohol abuse in early pregnancy, the incidence of cleft lip and palate in their children is higher than that of women without smoking and alcohol addiction.