Prenatal detection of orofacial clefts in Denmark from 2009 to 2018

Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitude Assessment of Cleft Lip With or Without Palate Management Among Vietnamese Dental and Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) are congenital malformations that require multidisciplinary treatment and in-depth knowledge for effective management, especially in countries like Vietnam, where the incidence rate is 1.4 per 1,000 live births. This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of undergraduate medical and dental students at Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam, regarding CL/P management. Materials and methods The questionnaire was administered using Google Forms (Google LLC, USA). The study participants were 284 (55.6%) dental students and 227 (44.4%) medical students at Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam. The questionnaire comprised four sections: general information, awareness, knowledge, and attitude assessments. Results In the awareness assessment, 97.5% of students were aware of CL/P. However, 84.1% and 66.5% of medical and dental students, respectively, lacked confidence in their current knowledge. Confidence levels increased gradually from third-year to final-year students. Regarding etiology, most students believed genetic factors were the primary cause of CL/P, followed by environmental factors. The most commonly chosen treatment methods were oral, maxillofacial, and plastic surgeries. Dental students showed more interest in CL/P and felt a greater need for additional training in CL/P treatment and management than medical students. Both dental and medical students favored early intervention. However, 19.4% of students were unsure about the optimal time to begin treatment, with this uncertainty being more prevalent among medical students (26%) than among dental students (14.1%) (p<0.001). Conclusion This study emphasizes the need for improved education among undergraduate students, especially medical students, to improve CL/P management.

Diagnostic Methods for the Prenatal Detection of Cleft Lip and Palate: A Systematic Review

Background: Accurate prenatal diagnosis of cleft lip and palate is essential to discuss severity prediction, perform appropriate parental counseling, and, at last, establish long-term treatment planning. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the accuracy of various imaging techniques for the prenatal diagnosis of cleft lip and palate, assess the pregnancy phase for orofacial clefts diagnosis, and study the different cleft types in terms of diagnostic methods, timing, and predictability. Methods: A search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify potentially relevant studies published until January 2024. The quality of the selected articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for methodological quality assessment of cohort studies and the QUADAS-2 scale for diagnostic test studies. Results: A total of 18 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The findings of this review indicate that the majority of studies showed improved diagnostic accuracy when supplementary techniques, such as 3D ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, were added to 2D ultrasound. Conclusions: The implementation of magnetic resonance imaging as a standard procedure could significantly improve the precision of diagnosing cleft lip and palate. Therefore, the diagnostic technique used will play a crucial role in the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Genetics and Epigenetics in the Genesis and Development of Microtia

Microtia is a congenital malformation of the external and middle ear associated with varying degrees of severity that range from mild structural abnormalities to the absence of the external ear and auditory canal. Globally, it is the second most common congenital craniofacial malformation and is typically caused by inherited defects, external factors, or the interaction between genes and external factors. Epigenetics notably represents a bridge between genetics and the environment. This review has devoted attention to the current proceedings of the genetics and epigenetics of microtia and related syndromes.