ABSTRACT
Los defectos de cierre orofaciales son un problema relativamente frecuente que supone un importante consumo de recursos sanitarios, además del sufrimiento que llevan implícito para el paciente y su familia. Existen diversas teorías que explican su origen, aunque ninguna tiene evidencias suficientemente sólidas. Las más aceptadas suponen una importante base genética que podría verse modificada por la presencia de agentes externos. Conocer las causas que los provocan permitiría intentar prevenir su aparición, campo en el que el médico de familia puede tener un importante papel (AU)
Orofacial clefts are a common problem that can lead to significant healthcare use and costs, as well as suffering on the part of the affected individuals and families. There are several theories explaining their origin, but some of the findings are inconsistent. The most accepted theories involve a major genetic basis that could be modified by the presence of external agents. Understanding the underlying causes could help to prevent its occurrence, an area in which the family physician can play an important role (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Cleft Lip/epidemiology , Cleft Lip/physiopathology , Cleft Palate/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Environmental Exposure/prevention & control , Public Health/methods , Public Health/trends , Environment , Mouth/pathology , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/prevention & control , Smoking/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Orofacial clefts are a common problem that can lead to significant healthcare use and costs, as well as suffering on the part of the affected individuals and families. There are several theories explaining their origin, but some of the findings are inconsistent. The most accepted theories involve a major genetic basis that could be modified by the presence of external agents. Understanding the underlying causes could help to prevent its occurrence, an area in which the family physician can play an important role.
