Positional Plagiocephaly Side and Neurodevelopmental Delay: Study on 408 Infants.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric neurology
• Developmental pediatrics
• Craniofacial abnormalities

Background:

• Positional plagiocephaly (PP) is a common condition in infants characterized by skull flattening.
• Early identification and management of PP are crucial for optimal infant development.
• Understanding the neurodevelopmental implications of PP is essential for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate neurodevelopmental delays in infants with positional plagiocephaly (PP).
• To analyze the impact of PP severity and flattening side on neurodevelopmental outcomes.
• To provide data for early childhood patient evaluation and management.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study assessed 408 infants (3-59 months) with PP using Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI) tests.
• Neurodevelopmental data were correlated with cranial measurements.
• Results were analyzed based on flattening side, diagnosis, severity, age, and sex.

Main Results:

• Significant neurodevelopmental delays were observed in over 75% of patients across both sexes.
• Males showed higher rates of delay (92.2% left, 95.5% right) compared to females (76.4% left, 75.5% right).
• Delays varied between 0.2 to 3 months depending on the flattening side and specific BDI domain.

Conclusions:

• Neurodevelopmental delays in infants with PP can vary based on the side of flattening.
• The side of plagiocephaly is a critical factor to consider during patient evaluation.
• This highlights the importance of assessing neurodevelopmental status in relation to plagiocephaly presentation.