Craniofacial malformations account for over 70% of congenital birth defects, the most common being cleft lip and/or cleft palate. Facial deformities result in complications affecting feeding, speech, hearing and psychological development. Although these malformations rarely result in mortality within developed countries, they increase morbidity and the treatment required results in a significant economic burden, thus emphasising the importance of understanding the underlying causes of facial malformations.

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