Cephalhematoma and natal brain injury

Sagittal craniosynostosis combined with ossified cephalhematoma--a tricky and demanding puzzle

INTRODUCTION

Four cases of sagittal synostosis combined with ossified cephalhematoma prompted the authors to present the data and to discuss the implications. Large cephalhematoma of the vertex at birth with subsequent ossification occurred in all with final sizes of 6.5-10 by 4.0-5.5 by 0.8-1.8 cm. At surgery with 2-6 months, the mean skull index was 64.75, sagittal suture completely closed, and a disfiguring bony mass present in all.

DISCUSSION

In three of the original cohort of 106 sagittal synostoses, ossified cephalhematoma was removed in one piece together with the suture. In contrast to pathogenesis of common parietal cephalhematomas, cephalhematoma in sagittal synostosis is rather induced by periosteal detachment of the midline by strong shearing forces because molding is hindered in the lateral direction. Frequent and fast complete ossification is possibly directed by the same local factors (e.g., Noggin) which lead to premature fusion of cranial sutures. Some treatment principles of ossified cephalhematoma in sagittal synostosis may be applied to surgery of common types.

Surgical Treatment of Ossified Cephalhematoma

Cephalhematoma is a collection of blood beneath the periosteum of the bones in the cranial vault. The treatment strategy of most cephalhematoma is conservative. However, in cases of ossified cephalhematoma causing deformities of skull, surgical management is indicated. From 1996 to 2002, the authors treated three cases of ossified cephalhematoma with the suggested pathogenesis of ossification, which cephalhematoma goes to ossification process, rather than calcification. Surgical treatment, which is bony shaving with a burr on the irregular margin site, was performed in one case in which the thickness of the skull in the bulging area was the same as in the normal area in preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan, and a depression did not exist in the operative field. In two cases in which there was any difference in bony density in the preoperative CT scan and depression after removal of cephalhematoma, the bony cap was remodeled into multiple pieces and the depressed region was reconstructed with a remodeled bone cap as an onlay bone graft. There was no evidence of complications and recurrence, and there was good reconstitution of the skull contour in all cases.

Radiology of nonaccidental trauma

The long-term outlook for infants subjected to nonaccidental trauma is bleak. In a retrospective study with a mean 9-year follow-up, Duhaime et al [63] noted the relationship between acute factors on presentation and the long-term outcome. Infants who were unresponsive on presentation remained vegetative or severely impaired at follow-up. Most of the infants who required intubations were severely impaired at follow-up. In those with acute seizures, 60% were severely impaired, and an equal number had moderately severe to good outcome. Less than 6 months of age at the time of insult resulted in severe disability in most infants. CT findings of diffuse hypodensity or loss of gray-white differentiation led to severe disability at follow-up. Focal areas of hypodensity or contusion had an equal probability of good outcome or severe disability. Child abuse unfortunately is prevalent in our society, and as physicians our profession requires that we help our patients. When dealing with one of our most vulnerable group of patients, it is imperative when a child with injury is examined that physicians keep in their differential child abuse. This article has provided information in regards to radiographic studies that assist a physician in diagnosing child abuse. The importance of this not only is in providing appropriate care, but far more importantly in protecting a child or his or her siblings from future abuse.

The conceptualization, measurement, and validation of transient mechanical birth trauma

An index of transient mechanical birth trauma (TMBT), consisting of the presence or absence of molding, cephalohematoma, subconjunctival hemorrhage, body bruising, facial bruising, petechiae, forceps marks, diminished arm movements, and sensitivity to sudden position changes, was measured on a convenience sample of 196 healthy newborns. Six dimensions of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) and other newborn measures also were assessed. Vaginally delivered newborns had more TMBT than those delivered by cesarean section and of newborns delivered vaginally, macrosomics had more TMBT than nonmacrosomics. TMBT positively correlated with range of state, individual reflex items of resistance to left and right arm movement, predominant state during the NBAS exam, and time to complete the NBAS exam. TMBT negatively correlated with newborn state instability and 1- and 5-minute Apgars. The results supported the measure's validity and are discussed in terms of implications for practice and further research to explore TMBT's usefulness.

Cephalhaematoma: a 10-year review

The incidence of cephalhaematoma at the Mercy Maternity Hospital over a 10-year period was 2.5%; of the 1,030 infants 68.4% were born to primiparas, 65.6% were males, the majority (91.1%) were between 37 and 42 weeks' gestation and 3,000 and 4,000 g birth-weight (71.6%). Forceps delivery and vacuum extraction were associated with increased incidences of cephalhaematoma (5.1% and 22.9% respectively), and the incidence was slightly increased (3.8%) when a scalp electrode had been applied. Hyperbilirubinaemia was more prevalent (12.9%) in infants with a cephalhaematoma as was exchange transfusion (0.8%) and the need for phototherapy (4.9%).

Cephalhematoma in the newborn

A chart survey of 139 newborns with cephal hematoma showed the majority were associated with primiparity, forceps delivery, or prolonged labor. The complications included jaundice, central nervous system symptoms, localized in fection, anemia and subdural hematoma. Neo natal jaundice was frequently associated. Under lying skull fractures were found in 7.1 per cent of the 84 infants in whom skull x-rays were taken, a lower incidence than that reported by others.