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Diagnostic strategies for the evaluation of asymmetry in infancy-a review
Leo A van Vlimmeren1, Paul J M Helders, Léon N A van Adrichem
1Department of Physiotherapy, Bernhoven Hospital, Veghel, The Netherlands.
Insights
Infant asymmetry, a condition with diverse symptoms, impacts motor skills. This study reviews evidence and proposes a diagnostic flowchart for managing infant asymmetry.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neonatology
Background:
- Infant asymmetry presents with varied features, including abnormal body shape, posture, and movement.
- Symptoms can be structural or functional, localized or generalized.
- Recent focus highlights adverse motor performance consequences and links to sudden infant death prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the current literature on infant asymmetry.
- To elucidate the diverse aspects and diagnostic challenges of asymmetry in infancy.
- To present a practical diagnostic flowchart for clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of evidence-based studies on infant asymmetry.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria, classifications, and management strategies.
- Development of a flowchart for systematic diagnostic pathways.
Main Results:
- Infant asymmetry is characterized by a broad spectrum of features and a multifactorial origin.
- Current literature lacks consensus on definition, nomenclature, and classification.
- A need for systematic diagnostic management is evident.
Conclusions:
- Infant asymmetry is a complex condition with a wide range of presentations and causes.
- Standardized definition, nomenclature, and classification are currently lacking.
- A systematic approach to diagnosis, guided by the presented flowchart, is recommended.
Unlabelled:
Asymmetry in infancy is a diagnosis with a large spectrum of features, expressing an abnormal shape of parts of the body or unequal postures and movements. Symptoms may be structural and/or functional, with localised or generalised expression. Within the last decade, many professionals have focused on the adverse consequences on motor performance of infants, associated with the recommendations on the prevention of sudden infant death. The purpose of the present study was to highlight different aspects of asymmetry in infancy based on best available evidence in the current literature and to present a flow chart illustrating different diagnostic pathways of asymmetry in infancy.
Conclusion:
We conclude that asymmetry in infancy is a diagnosis with a large spectrum of features and a multifactorial aetiology without consensus in definition, nomenclature and classification. Systematic diagnostic management of asymmetry in infancy is indicated. The presented diagnostic flow chart might serve as a basis.
