Neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants and children with single-suture craniosynostosis: a systematic review
Sarah J Knight1, Vicki A Anderson, Megan M Spencer-Smith
1a Clinical Sciences , Murdoch Childrens Research Institute , Melbourne , Australia.
Insights
Children with single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC) face higher risks for neurodevelopmental issues. This review highlights cognitive, language, and motor challenges in infants and children with SSC.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurosurgery
- Developmental pediatrics
- Clinical neurology
Background:
- Single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC) is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
- Understanding these outcomes is crucial for early intervention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and critically appraise the literature on neurodevelopmental features in children with SSC.
- To assess the methodological quality of existing studies.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted.
- 33 articles from 27 distinct cohorts met the inclusion criteria for analysis.
- Methodological quality of the included studies was critically appraised.
Main Results:
- Despite variable study designs and quality, most studies indicate an increased risk for neurodevelopmental difficulties in children with SSC.
- These difficulties span cognitive, language, and motor domains.
- Challenges are evident in both infancy (pre- and post-surgery) and childhood.
Conclusions:
- Children with SSC are at heightened risk for neurodevelopmental impairments.
- Further research is needed to identify factors influencing these outcomes.
- High-quality studies are essential for accurate assessment and management.
Abstract:
Children with single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC) are increasingly considered to be at high risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This systematic review aimed to synthesise and critically appraise the existing literature on the neurodevelopmental features of SSC, with particular attention to methodological quality. A total of 33 articles based on 27 cohorts met inclusion criteria. In the context of variable methodological design and quality, most neurodevelopmental studies indicated that children with SSC are at increased risk for difficulties in cognitive, language, and motor domains during infancy (both pre- and post-surgery) and childhood. Limited information exists on factors influencing outcome.
