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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
Incidence of perinatal complications in children with premature craniosynostosis
Benedikt Weber1, Anton H Schwabegger, Wilhelm Oberaigner
1Clinical Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
Insights
Children with craniosynostosis face higher rates of birth complications, including abnormal presentations and lower Apgar scores. This study highlights increased risks for infants diagnosed with craniosynostosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Craniosynostosis is a condition involving premature fusion of skull sutures.
- Perinatal complications can impact infant outcomes.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of perinatal complications in infants with craniosynostosis.
- To compare complication rates in craniosynostosis cases with a general birth population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study involving questionnaires sent to mothers of children diagnosed with craniosynostosis.
- Comparison of complication data with the Birth Registry of Tyrol.
- Statistical analysis to determine significant differences.
Main Results:
- Infants with craniosynostosis exhibited significantly higher rates of fetal malpresentations (abnormal cephalic and breech presentations).
- Lower Apgar scores and pH values were observed in neonates with craniosynostosis compared to controls.
- A total of 102 questionnaires were returned, representing a 46.4% response rate.
Conclusions:
- Craniosynostosis is associated with a significantly increased incidence of various birth complications.
- These findings underscore the need for vigilant monitoring and management of pregnancies and deliveries involving infants with craniosynostosis.
Aims:
To study the incidence of perinatal complications in children diagnosed with premature craniosynostosis and their mothers.
Methods:
Questionnaires were sent to all women (n=220) who delivered a child diagnosed either pre- or postnatally with craniosynostosis and treated at the University Hospital of Innsbruck, Austria between January 1, 1990 and October 10, 2007. The incidence of various complications in the group of children with craniosynostosis was compared with data from the Birth Registry of Tyrol, which served as a comparison population in this study (n=57,317).
Results:
A total of 46.4% of the questionnaires were returned (n=102). Children diagnosed with craniosynostosis showed a significantly higher rate of fetal malpresentations at birth [P<0.001; OR 2.38 (CI 1.53-3.70)] compared to the general population. In particular, the rate of abnormal cephalic [P<0.001; OR 3.42 (CI 2.03-5.76)] and breech presentations [P=0.01; OR 2.39 (CI 1.27-4.49)] was significantly increased. In 10% of all neonates the Apgar score (P=0.001) as well as the pH-value (P<0.001) was found to be at least one category lower than in the comparison population.
Conclusions:
Children diagnosed with craniosynostosis have a significantly higher rate of numerous birth complications compared to the overall births documented at the Birth Registry of Tyrol.
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