Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the presence of gender and laterality bias in patients with hemifacial microsomia.
Methods: We performed a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify trials published up to January 2014. Data extracted from the literature were analyzed using Review Manager 5.0.24.
Results: Relevant data were extracted from 24 articles (1121 participants), and the finding revealed no significant difference in incidence according to gender with the male-to-female ratio being 1.09:1 (relative risk, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.36; P < 0.00001; n = 908) There was no obvious difference in the laterality subgroup either, with the ratio of between the right and left sides of the head being 1.12 (relative risk, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.24; P = 0.006; n = 977).
Conclusions: This meta-analysis reveals no difference in the incidence of hemifacial microsomia between male and female patients; in addition, there is no obvious difference in distribution between the left and right sides of the head.