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Published on: August 25, 2014
The neurodevelopmental profile of healthy children with premature anterior fontanel closure
Meltem Direk1, Khatuna Makharoblıdze1, Burçin Gönüllü Polat1
1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey.
Insights
Premature fontanel closure in healthy children may be linked to motor skill delays. Close neurodevelopmental monitoring is recommended for these infants to ensure healthy development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neonatology
Background:
- Premature anterior fontanel closure is a condition observed in infants.
- Assessing the neurodevelopmental status of these infants is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcomes in healthy children diagnosed with premature anterior fontanel closure.
- To identify potential developmental delays associated with this condition.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective observational study included 40 children with premature fontanel closure.
- Exclusion criteria targeted conditions affecting neurodevelopment, ensuring a focus on isolated premature closure.
- Standardized neurodevelopmental assessments, including the Denver II and Bayley III tests, were administered.
Main Results:
- The Denver II indicated delays in gross motor and personal-social skills.
- The Bayley III revealed impairments in cognitive and motor skills.
- Despite identified delays by specific tests, no overall neurodevelopmental retardation was found based on Bayley III standards.
Conclusions:
- Children with premature fontanel closure may exhibit motor development delays.
- Continuous neurodevelopmental surveillance is essential for these children.
- Early identification and management of potential delays can optimize developmental trajectories.
Background:
We aimed to assess the neurodevelopmental status of healthy children with premature anterior fontanel closure.
Methods:
This retrospective observational study was conducted on 40 (20 M, 20 F) children admitted to Mersin University Pediatric Neurology Outpatient Clinic between 2015-2020 with complaints of premature fontanel closure. Patients with dysmorphic features, microcephaly, craniosynostosis, hypoxic-ischemic sequelae, infections, metabolic disorders, intracranial hemorrhage, epilepsy, endocrine problems, additional congenital anomalies, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), prematurity, and postmaturity were excluded. The Denver II and Bayley III tests were applied to all patients and controls.
Results:
The Denver II identified retardations in gross motor skills (p = 0.015) and personal-social skills (p = 0.042) and Bayley III in cognitive (p = 0.030) and motor skills (p = 0.007) in the study group. None of the participants in the study group had neurodevelopmental retardation, according to the Bayley III normal standards.
Discussion:
Our results suggest that children with premature fontanel closure may develop motor retardation. These children should, therefore, be closely monitored for neurodevelopmental aspects.
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