Introduction:

facial dysmorphia is a topic approached from multiple angles. The coexistence of these and other disorders of the human body can be explained by the processes that occur during the development of the embryo.

Objective:

to determine the relationship between facial dysmorphia and congenital malformations present in the system of organs in human fetuses.

Methods:

an analytical, cross-sectional, observational research was carried out on 42 human fetuses resulting from pregnancy interruptions. During the autopsy, facial structures were measured. Facial profile, symmetry, existence of facial hypoplasias and congenital malformations in different system of organs were considered.

Results:

66,7 % of male fetuses were observed, average maternal age was 29,3 ± 7,5 years. Dysmorphia of the facial profile (73,8 %), the frontal region (57,1 %) and the jaw (54,7 %) were more frequent. Only cardiovascular malformations showed a positive, significant correlation with signs of facial dysmorphia (p=0,006; R=0,414).

Conclusions:

facial dysmorphia in human fetuses was related to malformations of the cardiovascular system, which could be useful in the early diagnosis of congenital heart defects.

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