The Obstetrician Gynecologist's role in the screening of infants at risk of severe plagiocephaly: Prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, maternal and/or neonatal risk factors for severe plagiocephaly in order to early detect and refer infants at risk. A prospective observational study was conducted, involving 4337 infants who visited the Perinatology Center at San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital in Rome, evaluated following the Plagiocephaly Severity Scale of Atlanta. ©The plagiocephaly prevalence resulted 1.89%, considering moderate to severe forms. Maternal risk factors include primiparity, older age, gestational diabetes, and uterine fibromatosis. Neonatal risk factors are early term gestational age, low weight, twin pregnancy, and prolonged labor with an emergency cesarean section. Screening for severe plagiocephaly should begin antenatally. Although the low prevalence, identifying infants at risk can prevent potential permanent sequelae. We suggest a multidisciplinary approach for the management of plagiocephaly, involving the figure of the Obstetrician Gynecologist, who can highlight the risk factors ranging from obstetric and birth conditions.

Keywords: Deformationalplagiocephaly; Fetal risk factors; Maternal risk factors; Plagiocephaly screening; Positional plagiocephaly.