Optimal Diagnostic and Treatment Practices for Facial Dysostosis Syndromes: A Clinical Consensus Statement Among European Experts

Abstract

Facial dysostosis syndromes (FDS) are rare congenital conditions impacting facial development, often leading to diverse craniofacial abnormalities. This study addresses the scarcity of evidence on these syndromes about optimal diagnostic and treatment practices. To overcome this scarcity, European experts from ERN CRANIO collaborated to develop a clinical consensus statement through the Delphi consensus method. A systematic search of Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases was conducted until February 2023. The quality of evidence was evaluated using various tools depending on the study design. Statements were subsequently formed based on literature and expert opinion, followed by a Delphi process with expert health care providers and patient representatives. In total, 92 experts from various specialties and three patient representatives were involved in the Delphi process. Over 3 voting rounds, consensus was achieved on 92 (46.9%), 58 (59.2%), and 19 (70.4%) statements, respectively. These statements cover the topics of general care; craniofacial reconstruction; the eyes and lacrimal system; upper airway management; genetics; hearing; speech; growth, feeding, and swallowing; dental treatment and orthodontics; extracranial anomalies; and psychology and cognition. The current clinical consensus statement provides valuable insights into optimal diagnostic and treatment practices and identifies key research opportunities for FDS. This consensus statement represents a significant advancement in FDS care, underlining the commitment of health care professionals to improve the understanding and management of these rare syndromes in Europe.