Craniosynostosis in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Analysis of Subtype Patterns, Syndromic Risk, and Postoperative...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Medical Genetics

Background:

• Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of cranial sutures, leads to skull deformities and potential intracranial pressure issues.
• Local epidemiological data and management strategies for craniosynostosis are limited globally.
• This research focuses on craniosynostosis prevalence and characteristics in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence and clinical features of craniosynostosis.
• To assess surgical outcomes for craniosynostosis patients.
• To analyze differences between syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis cases.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 77 craniosynostosis patients from October 2019 to June 2023.
• Data extraction included demographics, clinical presentation, and surgical details.
• Statistical analysis compared syndromic and nonsyndromic groups (P < 0.05).

Main Results:

• Common subtypes included trigonocephaly, anterior plagiocephaly, and scaphocephaly.
• Syndromic cases (23%) showed higher complexity, papilledema, and intracranial pressure.
• Surgical outcomes were positive with low complications; syndromic cases had longer hospital stays.

Conclusions:

• Craniosynostosis management in Saudi Arabia yielded favorable surgical results.
• High consanguinity rates suggest a need for earlier diagnosis and genetic evaluation.
• Findings enhance global understanding and inform clinical strategies for craniosynostosis.