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Genetics versus environment in the pathophysiology of sagittal synostosis

De Gregorio V, Tosi DD, Vita A, Salvati M, Massimi L, Tamburrini G, Tiberio F, Lattanzi W

Child's nervous system : ChNS : official journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery, 2026

25,877 participants

Abstract

Purpose: This systematic review aims to provide an updated overview of the relative contribution of germline genetic and environmental factors to the pathophysiology of sagittal craniosynostosis (sCS).

Methods: Using the PubMed database in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, relevant studies addressing genetic and/or environmental determinants of sCS in paediatric patients were systematically reviewed.

Results: A total of 1238 records were identified, of which 97 studies met inclusion criteria after full-text review. Overall, 25,877 patients were included, with 11,086 diagnosed with sCS (42.8%). Germline genetic variants potentially associated with craniosynostosis were reported in 251 patients, accounting for 12.6% of genetically tested individuals with sCS. Identified variants were distributed across 125 genes, with recurrent findings in 25 genes. Environmental and perinatal factors were more consistently reported across large population-based and case-control studies. Frequently associated factors included male sex, advanced maternal age, maternal smoking, thyroid dysfunction, fertility treatments, foetal constraint, prematurity, and abnormal birth weight, although effect sizes varied across studies.

Conclusion: Identifiable germline genetic causes appear to account for only a minority of sCS cases, whereas epidemiological evidence suggests that environmental and perinatal influences may also contribute…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 25,877 participants or records.

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