Parental Education for the Prevention of Plagiocephaly.

INTRODUCTION: The American Academy of Pediatrics Back-to-Sleep Campaign significantly reduced infant mortality from sudden infant death syndrome. As a result of prolonged supine positioning, the incidence of deformational plagiocephaly has also risen 5-fold since its adoption. We aimed to improve the current educational paradigm for new parents with the goal of reducing the incidence of plagiocephaly within the confines of the Back-to-Sleep Campaign. We hypothesized that the early addition of plagiocephaly focused education for parents would reduce cephalic index, the ratio of head width to length, used as an easily measured objective proxy for positional plagiocephaly. METHODS: Children were screened at their newborn visit. Premature newborns and those diagnosed with craniofacial disorders were excluded. For those enrolled, biparietal and anteroposterior measurements of the head were obtained using manual calipers to obtain cephalic index. Subjects randomly assigned to the intervention group were shown a 2-minute video and given an educational pamphlet on methods to prevent plagiocephaly. Unpaired 2-sample t tests comparing mean differences in intervention and control were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-nine subjects were enrolled as of November 2023 with variable lengths of follow-up completed. The average baseline cephalic index for subjects in the control group was 82.7 and 83.8 for intervention group. Unpaired 2-sample t tests were performed at 2-, 4-, and 6-month time points to analyze the difference between groups. At 4 months, average cephalic index for subjects in the control and treatment group, respectively, was 90.6 and 83.4 (P = 0.02). SIGNIFICANCE: Parental education at the newborn visit led to decreases in cephalic index, a proxy for positional plagiocephaly, compared with control patients. This simple intervention has the potential to reduce parental stress and healthcare costs associated with the evaluation and treatment of plagiocephaly.

Mustard Seed Pillow for Prevention of Deformational Plagiocephaly in ≤ 32 Weeks' Gestational Age Infants: An Open Label Randomized.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of using mustard seed filled pillows in preventing deformational plagiocephaly (DP) in premature infants. METHODS: A prospective open label randomized trial was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Eligible preterm infants born at ≤32 weeks and <1500 g admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups. In addition to standard nesting, the intervention group was positioned using a mustard pillow, while the control group was positioned using nesting alone. Plagiocephaly was assessed using the Cranial Index (CI), Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index (CVAI) and Argenta classification within the first week and at 4 weeks postnatal age. RESULTS: Twenty-eight infants, each in the control and intervention groups, were included for analysis. At 4 weeks postnatal age, the intervention group had lower mean (SD) CVAI scores when compared to the control group [3.16 (1.89 vs 7.85 (2.63)] with adjusted odds ratio, aOR (95% CI) of 28.2 (3.8, 210.01), P < 0.01. More number of infants in the control group had plagiocephaly measured using Argenta classification [aOR (95% CI) 25.70 (2.80, 235.67), P < 0.01]. There were no differences in the Cranial Index scores in the intervention and control groups [aOR (95% CI) 0.41 (0.11, 1.52), P = 0.184]. CONCLUSION: A mustard seed pillow is an easily available and a cost-effective intervention for preventing plagiocephaly in hospitalized preterm infants.

Another look at "tummy time" for primary plagiocephaly prevention and motor development.

It is three decades since it was recommended that infants sleep on the back to reduce risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). The SUID prevention program is known as "back to sleep" or "safe sleeping", and this initiative is not questioned. Sleeping on the back is associated with, but not the cause of, the development of infant positional plagiocephaly, also known as deformational or a non-synostotic misshapen head when the skull sutures are open, not fused. This paper provides a synthesis of the history and impact of positional plagiocephaly. It includes a scoping review of plagiocephaly prevention facilitating motor development and reveals few articles on primary prevention which aims to prevent it developing in the first place. It is concerning that preschool-aged children with a history of infant plagiocephaly continued to receive lower developmental scores, particularly in motor development, than unaffected controls, and this may be a marker of developmental delay. Tummy-time (prone) for play is the mainstay of plagiocephaly prevention advice to minimize development of plagiocephaly and to facilitate infant motor development, particularly head control. While tummy-time has shown benefit for infant development, there is limited evidence of its effectiveness in preventing plagiocephaly and some evidence that it promotes only prone-specific motor skills. Most of the published literature is concerned with treatment post-diagnosis, in the form of reviews, or clinical notes. There is a plethora of opinion articles reinforcing tummy-time from birth for plagiocephaly prevention. The review shows that there are gaps in advice for early infant development of head control. An accepted test of head control in infants is "pull to sit" from supine which demonstrates antigravity strength of the neck flexors and coordination of the head and neck when the infant is drawn to sit from supine. This motor skill was cited as achievable by 4 months in the earliest paper on plagiocephaly in 1996. Physical therapists and others should revisit the mechanism of early infant head control development against gravity, particularly antigravity head, neck and trunk coordinated flexion movement in supine, as there has been little attention to early facilitation of this motor skill as a plagiocephaly prevention strategy. This may be achieved by considering "face time" as well as tummy time for primary prevention of plagiocephaly.

Barriers and facilitators influencing parental adherence to prevention strategies for deformational plagiocephaly: Results from a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Deformational plagiocephaly can be prevented in many healthy infants if strategies are implemented early after birth. However, despite efforts to disseminate accurate information, parental adherence to evidence-based prevention strategies is a challenge. To date, factors - barriers and facilitators - influencing parental adherence to strategies have yet to be identified in a comprehensive manner. OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aims to identify and synthesize current evidence on barriers and facilitators impacting adherence of parents of newborns to deformational plagiocephaly prevention strategies. METHODS: This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) process guidelines. Seven electronic (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Complete, AMED, PsychINFO and Scopus) and two grey literature (Health Systems Evidence and Grey Literature Report) databases were searched. Studies published between 2001 and 2022 were included. The deductive thematic data analysis used was guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation Behavioral Model (COM-B) of health behaviour change. RESULTS: From a total of 1172 articles, 15 met the eligibility criteria. All components of the COM-B framework were identified. Capability-psychological and opportunity-environmental factors dominated the literature, whereas capability-physical, motivation and, in particular, opportunity-social factors were understudied. The most often reported barriers were a lack of knowledge of deformational plagiocephaly and the associated prevention strategies, ambiguous or inconsistent messaging, intolerance of babies to prone positioning and a lack of time. The most frequently reported facilitators were an awareness of deformational plagiocephaly, postural asymmetry and prevention strategies, skill acquisition with practice, accurate convincing information, scheduled time and environmental organization to position the baby at home. DISCUSSION: Recommendations focused on diffusing accurate and detailed information for parents. Our review also suggests a gap regarding the comprehensive identification of factors influencing parental adherence to deformational plagiocephaly prevention strategies. Further studies exploring comprehensive opportunity-social and motivation factors influencing parental adherence to deformational plagiocephaly prevention strategies are warranted to inform prevention programmes and foster better infant outcomes.

Feasibility and Safety of the Preemie Orthotic Device to Manage Deformational Plagiocephaly in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants.

BACKGROUND: Premature infants are predisposed to developing deformational plagiocephaly. Deformational plagiocephaly may affect the infant's social well-being and neurobehavioral development. PURPOSE: This pilot study investigated the feasibility and safety of the preemie orthotic device (POD); a noncommercial, supportive orthotic device to manage deformational plagiocephaly. METHODS: The setting for this prospective, descriptive, phase 1 clinical trial was 2 urban and 1 suburban neonatal intensive care units that provided care for critically ill premature and term infants. Participants included a convenience sample of 10 premature extremely low-birth-weight infants weighing less than 1 kg. All participants received the experimental treatment with the POD. Time spent on the device with and without the supportive foam insert, provider perception, adverse events, and head shape measurements were collected to assess feasibility and safety of the device. RESULTS: Participants had a median gestational age of 25.4 weeks and median birth weight of 0.673 kg. The POD was used a median of 21.2 hours per day and the foam insert was used a median of 11.1 hours per day. At enrollment, 1 participant had a normal cranial index compared with 5 participants at study completion. All participants had normal cranial symmetry at study enrollment and completion. No device-related adverse events were reported. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: The POD was found to be feasible and safe. Staff had favorable responses to the device. Recommendations by nursing staff included enlarging the device to extend its use. IMPLICATION FOR RESEARCH: Further studies are warranted to assess the POD's effectiveness.

Nonsynostotic plagiocephaly: a child health care intervention in Skaraborg, Sweden.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate the intervention's effect on prevention and reversal of nonsynostotic plagiocephaly. METHODS: Thirty-eight intervention group nurses were educated about nonsynostotic plagiocephaly and asked to follow guidelines; 18 control group nurses were not. In a longitudinal single-blinded clinical intervention, parents brought infants to well-child visits according to the national schedule. Cranial shape was assessed in 176 intervention and 92 control group infants at 2-, 4-, and 12-month visits. RESULTS: Asymmetry at two months reversed by four months four times more often in intervention than control subgroup infants (OR = 4.07, p = 0.02) when adjusted for parent awareness of written information from their nurse. Asymmetry at two months reversed by 12 months fivefold when parents were aware of written information (OR = 0.19, p = 0.04). The risk for persistent asymmetry at 12 months was lower for intervention than control group infants (RR = 0.35, p = 0.03). Of infants with no asymmetry at two months, 25% in intervention and 22% in control group developed brachycephaly. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention contributed to early reversal and reducing infants' risk for persistent asymmetry. Parents' awareness of written information contributed to reversal. Preventing brachycephaly was difficult. Further research is needed.

Dolichocephaly in Preterm Infants: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Early Motor Outcomes.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine when dolichocephaly develops in preterm infants, to establish factors that contribute to its development, and to determine its association with adverse motor outcomes. Study Design This study was a retrospective review of data collected from preterm infants born at < 32 weeks' gestation. The cranial index was measured by a physical therapist (PT) at three time points during hospitalization. Demographic data, neonatal morbidities, and motor outcomes at outpatient follow-up were collected. Results Overall, 54% of infants developed dolichocephaly during hospitalization. The presence of dolichocephaly was highest in infants between 32 and 34 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA) (39%). Birth weight, gestational age, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and severe intraventricular hemorrhage were not associated with dolichocephaly. Infants with dolichocephaly at 32 to 34 weeks' PMA were more likely to either be receiving PT services or be referred to PT services by outpatient follow-up (p = 0.05). Conclusion The presence of dolichocephaly was highest in infants between 32 and 34 weeks' PMA and was associated with increased need for PT services in early infancy. Findings support early developmental intervention at < 32 weeks' PMA to prevent and/or treat cranial molding deformity and improve early motor outcomes.

Teaching Parents How to Prevent Acquired Cranial Asymmetry in Infants.

Acquired cranial asymmetry is prevalent in infants today. This is largely attributed to the supine sleep position recommended for infant safety. The condition can become permanent, so prevention and early detection are important. A prevention project was initiated where guidelines for Swedish child health nurses were developed, tested in a pilot study, revised, and then incorporated into a short cranial asymmetry prevention program for nurses. The program included detailed information on what to teach parents of newborns. An intervention study was initiated where one group of nurses was taught according to the program and the other group followed the standard recommendations. The aim of this survey was to compare intervention and control group parents' responses regarding the cranial asymmetry prevention information that they had received from their nurses during their infant's first four months. Participants included 272 parents (180 intervention group, 92 control group) at 26 child health centers. A checklist was distributed to parents in conjunction with infants' four month health checkup. A significantly higher percentage of intervention group parents were aware of regular recommendations - alternate direction of the infant's head when putting the child to bed (82%: 64%, p=0.001), which pillow to use (92%: 80%, p=0.01), and when to remove the pillow (48%: 31%, p=0.006) - and five newly introduced recommendations compared to controls. Results indicate that educating child health nurses on prevention of cranial asymmetry works to increase parental awareness of what to do and how to do it safely.

Preventing deformational plagiocephaly through parent guidance: a randomized, controlled trial.

Deformational plagiocephaly (DP) occurs frequently in otherwise healthy infants. Many infants with DP undergo physiotherapy or helmet therapy, and ample treatment-related research is available. However, the possibility of preventing DP has been left with little attention. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention in the newborn's environment, positioning, and handling on the prevalence of DP at 3 months and to investigate the causal relationship between DP and cervical imbalance. We carried out a randomized controlled trial, with healthy newborns randomized into two groups at birth. All families received standard positioning instructions to prevent SIDS. Additionally, the intervention group received detailed instructions regarding the infant's environment, positioning, and handling, with the goal of creating a nonrestrictive environment that promotes spontaneous physical movement and symmetrical motor development. Two- and three-dimensional photogrammetry served to assess cranial shape and goniometry to measure cervical motion. At 3 months, the prevalence of DP was lower in the intervention group in both 2D (11 vs 31 %) and 3D analyses (15 vs 33 %), and the asymmetry was milder in the intervention group. Infants with DP at follow-up had also developed more torticollis. CONCLUSION: An early educational intervention reduces the prevalence and severity of DP at 3 months. WHAT IS KNOWN: •Deformational plagiocephaly, often with associated torticollis, is common in healthy infants. •Parental education is frequently recommended for preventing deformational plagiocephaly, although information regarding the effectiveness of preventive strategies is scarce. WHAT IS NEW: •Early parent guidance effectively reduces the prevalence and severity of DP and improves the cervical range of motion at three months. •Educating both parents and professionals about proper infant positioning on a national scale could help minimize public healthcare costs.

Prevention of deformational plagiocephaly in hospitalized infants using a new orthotic device.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the cranial cup device in a sample of hospitalized infants at risk for deformational plagiocephaly (DP). DESIGN: A multisite, stratified, and randomized single-blinded study. SETTING: Neonatal intensive care units (NICU) from three urban and one suburban hospital participated. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects included 62 infants with lengths of stay ≥ 14 days. METHODS: Nurses caring for infants in study group 1 used the moldable positioner. In study group 2, nurses rotated the moldable positioner and cranial cup devices using the cranial cup for a target goal of 12 hours/day. Both study groups received routine position changes. Outcome measures included hours of device use (feasibility), cardiorespiratory and emesis events (safety), and cranial measurements obtained at discharge (efficacy) by one of four, licensed orthotists who were blinded to the study. RESULTS: A total of 35 infants were randomized to study group 1 (moldable positioner) and 27 infants to study group 2 (moldable positioner and cranial cup). The median hours per day on the cranial cup was 10.7 (range 4.5-15.3). Emesis and cardiorespiratory events were equally distributed for the moldable positioner and cranial cup devices in study group 2. At discharge, more infants in study group 1 (46%, n = 16) exhibited abnormal cranial measurements than those in study group 2 (19%, n = 5) (p = .03). CONCLUSION: Rotating the cranial cup with the moldable positioner provides a feasible, safe, and potentially efficacious therapy for prevention of DP.

Congenital muscular torticollis and positional plagiocephaly.

On the basis of observational studies, child health practitioners in primary care settings should consider the diagnosis of congenital muscular torticollis (CMT)in infants with risk factors from birth history for intrauterine malpositioning or constraint (C). On the basis of observational studies, CMT is often associated with other conditions, including positional plagiocephaly and gross motor delays from weakened truncal muscles and/or lack of head control in early infancy (C). On the basis of observational studies, child health practitioners should counsel parents that infants should be on their stomachs frequently whenever they are awake and under direct adult supervision to develop their prone motor skills (C). On the basis of consensus, early identification of CMT(with or without positional plagiocephaly) and prompt referral to a physical therapist experienced in the treatment of CMT should be considered to avoid more costly or invasive treatments, such as cranial orthoses or surgery (D).

Positional plagiocephaly: an analysis of the literature on the effectiveness of current guidelines.

OBJECT: Positional plagiocephaly (PP) has been on the rise in recent years. In this review, the authors' aim was to assess the effectiveness of current recommendations to parents on this exceedingly common problem through a comprehensive literature search. Additionally, the current treatment options and the most recent studies on PP are reviewed. METHODS: A search of the existing literature was conducted to obtain all relevant studies on guidelines, recommendations, parental and clinician practices, and epidemiological aspects. RESULTS: Although the incidence and risk factors for PP have been well delineated, there continues to be debates on its management and association with developmental delays. Current guidelines and recommendations on prevention set by the American Association of Pediatrics may not be easily followed by both parents and clinicians. There is also evidence that certain populations, including those with lower education, socioeconomic status, and in particular geographic regions may be more affected by the condition. Additionally, the marketing and financial aspects of PP treatments exist and should be addressed. CONCLUSIONS: Better awareness and education are necessary to inform the population as a whole, although certain populations should be given special attention. Additionally, current guidelines and recommendations can be modified to foster a better grasp of the condition by both parents and clinicians. Adjusting current recommendations, introducing initiatives, and offering elaborate educational campaigns would help deliver these aims. Educating parents on PP as early as possible through clearer guidelines and close monitoring is central to preventing and managing this common condition.

Testing guidelines for child health care nurses to prevent nonsynostotic plagiocephaly: a Swedish pilot study.

The aim of the study is to test effectiveness of guidelines for nurses that can be incorporated into the child health care program to prevent nonsynostotic plagiocephaly (NSP) in infants while still following sudden infant death syndrome-preventive recommendations. When guidelines were followed as intended in a Swedish pilot study, only 8.5% of infants had some degree of NSP at 6 months, compared to 25.6% of infants in the comparison group. Results indicate that the early and regular implementation of these guidelines by nurses may be an effective way to prevent NSP.

Developing guidelines for child health care nurses to prevent nonsynostotic plagiocephaly: searching for the evidence.

The aim of the project was to develop guidelines for nurses that can be incorporated into the Swedish child health care program to prevent nonsynostotic plagiocephaly in infants while still following sudden infant death syndrome preventive measures. Guidelines were developed by reviewing the literature, compiling evidence, appraising recommendations, and formulating a condensed version of relevant information for nurses. The guidelines were tested clinically in a Swedish pilot project.

Prevention of deformational plagiocephaly in neonates.

BACKGROUND: Since the early 90s a striking rise in deformational plagiocephaly (DP) has been reported, and a causal link between the "back to sleep" position recommended to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Recent data suggested that supine position is a risk factor only when combined with other environmental factors OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of early intervention in the newborn environment on the prevalence of DP at 4 months of life. METHODS: A multicentric, prospective, controlled study in healthy term neonates. Within 72 h of birth, all parents received the usual recommendations for positioning their infants to prevent sudden infant death syndrome. In the Intervention group, recommendations were also given to encourage spontaneous and unhindered physical movement. At 1, 2 and 4 months, we looked for plagiocephaly and collected information on the infants' environment. RESULTS: The environment of the Intervention group (n = 88) was significantly more favorable to unhindered movement than in the control group (n = 51) (lower immobility score, p < 0.01). The prevalence of DP was significantly lower in the Intervention group than in the control group (13% vs. 31%, p < 0.001). For each supplementary hour of immobility during the third and fourth months of life, the risk of DP at four months doubled (OR:2.1[1.4-3.2]). CONCLUSION: Early postnatal intervention on the maternity ward reduces the prevalence of DP. The recent rise in the incidence of DP could be related to a lack of stimulation and encouragement to physical movement rather than to supine positioning proposed for prevention of sudden infant death syndrome.

Deformational plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and scaphocephaly. Part II: prevention and treatment.

Cranial deformation is the most common cause of abnormal head shape. Intentional and unintentional alterations of cranial form are associated with the application of external pressure to the growing infant head, and such changes have been recorded throughout man's history. Recent changes in Western sleeping practices, instituted to reduce the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome, have led to a dramatic rise in cranial deformation and renewed interest in this subject. This 2-part review presents a pragmatic clinical approach to this topic including a critical review of the literature as it applies to each aspect of this common diagnosis: historical perspective, terminology, differential diagnosis, etiopathogenesis and predisposing factors, and prevention and treatment.

A randomized controlled trial of positioning treatments in infants with positional head shape deformities.

BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials of treatment for deformational plagiocephaly and brachycephaly have been lacking in the literature. METHODS: Infants (n = 126) presenting to a plagiocephaly clinic were randomized to either positioning strategies or to positioning plus the use of a Safe T Sleep™ positioning wrap. Head shape was measured using a digital photographic technique, and neck function was assessed. They were followed up at home 3, 6 and 12 months later. RESULTS: There was no difference in head shape outcomes for the two treatment groups after 12 months of follow-up, with 42% of infants having head shapes in the normal range by that time. Eighty per cent of children showed good improvement. Those that had poor improvement were more likely to have both plagiocephaly and brachycephaly and to have presented later to clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Most infants improved over the 12-month study period, although the use of a sleep positioning wrap did not increase the rate of improvement.

Motor development of infants with positional plagiocephaly.

Concurrent with recommendations to place infants to sleep in supine, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of infants with positional plagiocephaly (PP). Recent evidence suggests that infants who have decreased exposure to prone position may have a higher incidence of PP and may be at risk for a delay in the acquisition of certain motor skills. The purpose of this study was to compare motor development between infants with PP and matched peers without PP. We also examined differences in infant positioning practices when asleep and awake between the two groups. Twenty-seven infants with PP, 3 to 8 months of age, were matched by age, gender, and race to infants without PP. Motor performance was evaluated using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS). Parents completed a diary that recorded infant positioning over a 3-day period. Mean AIMS percentile score for infants with PP was 31.1 +/- 21.6 as compared with 42.7 +/- 20.2 in infants without PP (p = .06). Better performance on the AIMS was positively correlated with the amount of time in prone position when awake, for both groups of children (PP r = .52, no PP r = .44, p < .05). Therapists should be aware of a risk of a motor delay when evaluating infants with PP. It is also important for parents to be informed about the importance of supervised prone playtime to enhance the development of early motor skills.