Does every newborn need an imaging study after a fall? Case series and literature review

This study examines the clinical and radiographic information from neonates who sustained a newborn fall (NF) to identify risk factors for the NF and the presence of skull fracture and intracranial bleed. In addition, published articles will be reviewed to provide data to assist in the evidence-based management of mothers after delivery and neonates after NF.

This is a retrospective chart review of neonates who sustained a NF in a level 4 NICU between 2016 and 2019. Results of imaging reports, maternal and neonatal clinical information, physical examination after fall, mode of delivery, time of day of fall, time between delivery and fall, feeding regimen, and maternal in hospital opioid use were recorded. Published reports containing imaging results and the incidence of skull fracture after NF were obtained by searching Pub Med from 2000 to 2019.

The main outcome of this study is to determine the presence and location of fractures and intracranial hemorrhage after a NF. Secondary outcome includes identification of clinical factors associated with the NF and presence of fractures. Student's t-test was used for statistical comparisons.

Twenty-one neonates sustained a NF and 83% were imaged by cranial CT. Skull fractures were identified by CT in 53% of neonates and ∼1/3 of infants had small intracranial hemorrhage. All infants were clinically stable and no neonate required neurosurgical intervention. Most NFs (73%) occurred between midnight and 8 AM and were associated with maternal sleeping while holding the infant.

Mothers should have increased monitoring and support especially the days after delivery from 11 PM to 9 AM to assess for maternal exhaustion and to prevent NFs regardless of opioid use. When indicated, low-dose rapid sequence CT scan rather than X-ray is preferred for evaluation of the neonate after a fall.