In search of causative factors of deformational plagiocephaly

Mutaz B Habal1, Catherine Castelano, Nicole Hemkes

  • 1Tampa Bay Craniofacial Center, Tampa, Florida 33603, USA. mbhabal@gte.net

Insights

This preliminary study found no clear pattern of factors contributing to infant deformational plagiocephaly. Further research is needed on infant sleep position and its risks and benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Deformational plagiocephaly is a common condition in infants.
  • Identifying contributing factors is crucial for prevention and early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore potential factors associated with the onset and progression of infant deformational plagiocephaly.
  • To initiate the development of a risk factor profile for this condition.

Main Methods:

  • A preliminary study involving 37 infants diagnosed with deformational plagiocephaly.
  • Parental interviews were conducted to gather information on practices before and immediately after birth.

Main Results:

  • The study did not identify a clear or consistent pattern of contributing factors.
  • No definitive associations were found between the investigated practices and the development of plagiocephaly.

Conclusions:

  • Current findings are inconclusive regarding the etiology of infant deformational plagiocephaly.
  • Further research is essential, particularly investigating the role of infant sleep position, including its benefits and potential hazards.

Related Concept Videos

Plastic Deformations01:19

Plastic Deformations

Plastic deformation represents a fundamental concept in materials science, which explains the irreversible change in the shape of a material when it experiences stress beyond its elastic capability. This phenomenon is important in structural engineering, especially in designing and analyzing cantilever beams—structures that are securely fixed at one end and bear loads at the opposite end. When these beams are subjected to loads within their elastic range, they will return to their original...
Plastic Deformations01:14

Plastic Deformations

It is essential to understand how structural members behave under plastic deformation when the bending stress exceeds the material's yield strength. This state of deformation permanently alters the shape of the member, in contrast to the linear elastic behavior observed before yielding. The strain at any point in the member is expressed in terms of maximum strain. Notably, the neutral axis, which coincides with the centroid during elastic bending, shifts away from the centroid under plastic...
Neurulation01:30

Neurulation

Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
Cytoskeletal Linker Proteins - Plakins01:09

Cytoskeletal Linker Proteins - Plakins

Plakins are large proteins with binding domains for microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and membrane-associated protein complexes at cell junctions. Plakin functions are evolutionarily conserved and are primarily involved in organizing the different components of the cytoskeleton by crosslinking them to each other and connecting them to the cell-matrix and cell adhesion complexes. They are also known to interact with signal transducers, serve as scaffolds for signaling...
Plastic Deformation in Circular Shafts01:20

Plastic Deformation in Circular Shafts

When materials are subjected to forces that surpass their yield strength, they undergo a process known as plastic deformation. This results in a permanent alteration or strain in their structure. This concept can be specifically applied to circular shafts, where the deformation leads to a change in its shape. The precise evaluation of this plastic deformation requires understanding the stress distribution within the circular shaft, which is achieved by calculating the maximum shearing stress in...
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Biological Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.