Prenatal exposure to antibiotics and the risk of orofacial clefts: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Orofacial clefts (OFCs), including cleft lip, cleft palate and combined cleft lip and palate, are among the most common craniofacial malformations in newborns and present significant healthcare challenges. Emerging evidence has raised concerns regarding the potential impact of prenatal exposure to antibiotics on fetal development. Antibiotics prescribed during pregnancy-particularly those that cross the placental barrier-may pose teratogenic risks. Previous studies investigating the association between prenatal antibiotic exposure and the risk of OFCs have yielded inconsistent results. However, no studies have yet attempted to summarise this evidence, highlighting the need for a comprehensive evaluation. This report describes a systematic review and meta-analysis proto

SUBMITTER: Nagata A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11580245 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature