More links to facial clefts found

Researchers studying the causes of facial clefts have identified new genetic mutations linked to these birth defects in a step that might help lead to a test to predict a family’s risk.

In a study published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers looked at DNA from 184 people from Iowa and the Philippines.

They found seven mutations related to genes associated with fetal facial development.

The researchers said these mutations might account for 5% of cleft lip and palate cases that are not associated with other syndromes or birth defects.