Association between Parental Consanguinity and Cleft Lip and Palate in Children at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: To determine the frequency and pattern of CLP in children born to consanguineous parents and to explore associations with demographic and clinical variables at a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saidu College of Dentistry, Saidu Sharif, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; from April 2023 to September 2023. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 children diagnosed with or without CLP. Demographic and clinical data, including gender, age, type and laterality of CLP, parental consanguinity, residence, family history, and maternal age, were recorded. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, applying descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square and ANOVA tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Out of 80 children, 60 (75%) were diagnosed with CLP. Among these, 83.3% belonged to consanguineous unions, indicating a significant association (p = 0.003). Bilateral CLP was more common among children of consanguineous parents (44%) compared to non-consanguineous (30%). Unilateral CLP was more frequently left-sided (65.7%), with no significant gender differences in laterality (p = 0.736). A significant association was also observed between family history and CLP occurrence (p = 0.014), and between rural residence and CLP (p = 0.045). No significant association was found with maternal age or child’s age group. Conclusion: The study highlights a strong association between parental consanguinity and the frequency of CLP. Public health initiatives should emphasize genetic counseling and community awareness, particularly in areas with high rates of consanguineous marriages.