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Bilateral Head Flattening in Hospitalized Premature Infants
Martha Hemingway1, Sandra Oliver
1Scott and White Memorial Hospital, Temple, TX 76508, USA. mheming112@aol.com
Insights
Infant head shape asymmetry has increased. Repositioning infants is a nursing intervention strongly supported by research to improve cranial vault symmetry and prevent molding.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatal Care
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Increased incidence of infant head shape asymmetry noted since 1992.
- Asymmetry linked to factors like restrictive intrauterine environments, birth trauma, and positioning.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation against prone sleeping is a potential contributing factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes and nursing interventions for infant head shape asymmetry.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of repositioning in improving cranial vault symmetry.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for preventing and managing positional plagiocephaly.
Main Methods:
- Review of research supporting nursing interventions for cranial molding.
- Analysis of factors contributing to asymmetrical headshape in infants.
- Emphasis on repositioning techniques as a primary intervention.
Main Results:
- Cranial molding is associated with various factors including intrauterine constraints, birth trauma, torticollis, and infant positioning.
- Alternative mattress surfaces and repositioning are identified nursing interventions.
- The research provides strong support for repositioning as an effective method to enhance cranial vault symmetry.
Conclusions:
- Infant head shape asymmetry is a growing concern.
- Repositioning is a key nursing intervention with strong research backing for improving cranial symmetry.
- Further research may explore the long-term implications and optimal strategies for managing positional plagiocephaly.
Abstract:
Asymmetrical headshape in infants has increased markedly since the 1992 recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome by avoiding the prone sleeping position. Cranial molding correlated to restrictive intrauterine environment, birth trauma, torticollis, positioning, lack of full bone mineralization, neurological deficits, and any combination of the above. Nursing interventions to prevent cranial molding include alternative mattress surfaces and repositioning. The research strongly supports repositioning of infants to improve cranial vault symmetry.