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Chiropractic & Manual Therapies Jun 2020To investigate for congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and positional plagiocephaly (PP) the effectiveness and safety of manual therapy, repositioning and helmet...
The effectiveness and safety of conservative interventions for positional plagiocephaly and congenital muscular torticollis: a synthesis of systematic reviews and guidance.
AIM
To investigate for congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and positional plagiocephaly (PP) the effectiveness and safety of manual therapy, repositioning and helmet therapy (PP only) using a systematic review of systematic reviews and national guidelines.
METHODS
We searched four major relevant databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and MANTIS for research studies published between the period 1999-2019. Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews that analysed results from multiple studies and guidelines that used evidence and expert opinion to recommend treatment and care approaches. Three reviewers independently selected articles by title, abstract and full paper review, and extracted data. Selected studies were described by two authors and assessed for quality. Where possible meta-analysed data for change in outcomes (range of movement and head shape) were extracted and qualitative conclusions were assessed.
RESULTS
We found 10 systematic reviews for PP and 4 for CMT. One national guideline was found for each PP and CMT. For PP, manual therapy was found to be more effective than repositioning including tummy time (moderate to high evidence) but not better than helmet therapy (low evidence). Helmet therapy was better than usual care or repositioning (low evidence); and repositioning better than usual care (moderate to high evidence). The results for CMT showed that manual therapy in the form of practitioner-led stretching had moderate favourable evidence for increased range of movement. Advice, guidance and parental support was recommended in all the guidance to reassure parents of the favourable trajectory and nature of these conditions over time.
CONCLUSIONS
Distinguishing between superiority of treatments was difficult due to the lack of standardised measurement systems, the variety of outcomes and limited high quality studies. More well powered effectiveness and efficacy studies are needed. However overall, advice and guidance on repositioning (including tummy-time) and practitioner-led stretching were low risk, potentially helpful and inexpensive interventions for parents to consider.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019139074.
Topics: Head Protective Devices; Humans; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Torticollis
PubMed: 32522230
DOI: 10.1186/s12998-020-00321-w -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023The objective of this study is to analyze conservative treatments implemented to manage positional plagiocephaly in infants. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to analyze conservative treatments implemented to manage positional plagiocephaly in infants.
METHODS
This is a systematic review conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, performed in the Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. Articles were selected according to the eligibility criteria, regarding the effectiveness of conservative treatments in positional plagiocephaly in infants, published in the last 10 years with a score ≥3 in the PEDro Scale.
RESULTS
A total of 318 articles were identified and 9 of them were finally selected.
CONCLUSIONS
Physical therapy treatment is considered as the first line of intervention in plagiocephaly with non-synostotic asymmetries and manual therapy is the method that obtains the best results within this intervention. In cases of moderate or severe plagiocephaly, helmet therapy can be an effective second-line intervention; however, the best way to prevent this condition is through counseling of parents or caregivers, and early treatment is essential for optimal therapeutic outcomes. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CDR42022306466).
PubMed: 37508680
DOI: 10.3390/children10071184 -
Heliyon Mar 2023In the neonatal intensive care unit, nurses often place premature infants in the supine, prone, and lateral positions. However, these positions do not always meet all... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In the neonatal intensive care unit, nurses often place premature infants in the supine, prone, and lateral positions. However, these positions do not always meet all the physiological needs of premature infants. Thus, many improved positions and various position-supporting devices have been studied to provide infants with a development-friendly and comfortable environment.
AIM
We aimed to help nurses recognize and understand the various improved positions and devices, and to provide nurses with more options in addressing the needs of preterm infants.
STUDY DESIGN
We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE from 2012 to 2022 for studies on position management of preterm infants, and screened the search results according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then we extracted data and evaluated the quality of the included studies. Finally, we conducted a qualitative summary of the results.
RESULTS
Twenty-one articles were included in this review. Fourteen were studies about improved positions, including hammock position, facilitated tucking position, ROP position, reverse kangaroo mother care position (R-KMC), and supported diagonal flexion position (SDF). Seven were studies on positioning devices, four on cranial deformity prevention, and three on reformative swaddling. They have a positive impact on sleep and flexion maintenance, in addition, they can prevent head deformity and reduce the pain of premature infants.
CONCLUSION
The position management of premature infants is diversified. Instead of sticking to a single position placement, nurses should adjust the position according to the unique physiological conditions of infants to reduce sequelae and promote their recovery and growth during long-term hospitalization. There should be more studies on position management with large sample sizes in the future.
PubMed: 36967878
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14388 -
Child's Nervous System : ChNS :... Dec 2021Posterior plagiocephaly (PP) is a common clinical condition in pediatric age. There are two main causes of PP: postural plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis. Early... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Posterior plagiocephaly (PP) is a common clinical condition in pediatric age. There are two main causes of PP: postural plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis. Early diagnosis is important, as it prevents neurological complications and emergencies. Diagnosis in the past was often made late and with imaging tests that subjected the infant to a high radiation load. Suture ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation; it is easy to perform, allows an early diagnosis, and directs toward the execution of the cranial 3D-CT scan, neurosurgical consultation, and possible intervention. The aim of the study is to describe the high sensitivity and specificity of suture ultrasound for the differential diagnosis between plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis.
METHODS
We reported our prospective experience and compared it with the data in the literature through a systematic review. The systematic review was conducted on electronic medical databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science) evaluating the published literature up to November 2020. According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-ANALYSES (PRISMA statement), we identified 2 eligible studies. Additionally, according to AMSTAR 2, all included reviews have been critically rated as high quality. A total of 120 infants with abnormal skull shape were examined in NICU. All underwent clinical and ultrasound examination.
RESULTS
Of the total, 105 (87.5%) had plagiocephaly and 15 dolichocephaly/scaphocephaly (12.5%). None of these had associated other types of malformations and/or neurological disorders. The synostotic suture was identified ultrasonographically in 1 infant and subsequently confirmed by 3D CT scan (100%).
CONCLUSION
Cranial sutures ultrasonography can be considered in infants a selective, excellent screening method for the evaluation of skull shape deformities as first technique before the 3D CT scan exam and subsequent neurosurgical evaluation. Cranial suture ultrasonography should be considered part of clinical practice especially for pediatricians.
Topics: Child; Cranial Sutures; Craniosynostoses; Humans; Infant; Plagiocephaly; Prospective Studies; Skull; Sutures; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 34453581
DOI: 10.1007/s00381-021-05324-3 -
Developmental Medicine and Child... Aug 2008This review synthesized current research evidence on the prevalence, risk factors, and natural history of positional plagiocephaly. Research published between 1985 and... (Review)
Review
This review synthesized current research evidence on the prevalence, risk factors, and natural history of positional plagiocephaly. Research published between 1985 and 2007 was sourced from 13 databases. Evidence was categorized according to a hierarchy and rated on a standardized critical appraisal tool. These evaluations were incorporated into a narrative synthesis of the main results. Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria (prevalence: n=3, risk factors: n=17, natural history: n=1). The methodological quality of studies was fair. The point prevalence of positional plagiocephaly appears to be age-dependent and may be as high as 22.1% at 7 weeks of age. Point prevalence tends to decrease with age and may be as low as 3.3% at 2 years. When compared with historical data, the prevalence of positional plagiocephaly appears to have remained stable over the last four decades. Assisted delivery, first born child, male sex, cumulative exposure to the supine position, and neck problems may increase the risk of positional plagiocephaly. To reduce the risk of positional placiocephaly, infants should experience a variety of positions, other than supine, while they are awake and supervised, and early treatment may be warranted for infants with neck problems and/or strong head preference.
Topics: Humans; Infant; Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Supine Position
PubMed: 18754894
DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2008.03029.x -
Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation... Apr 2013Evaluate from the literature, the evidence of comparative efficiency of non-surgical treatments (orthotics or head repositioning therapy) in posterior positional... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate from the literature, the evidence of comparative efficiency of non-surgical treatments (orthotics or head repositioning therapy) in posterior positional plagiocephaly.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Systematic review from scientific articles (original cohort studies and review of literature), published in French or in English, searched on five online literature data bases, comparing non-chirurgical treatments (repositioning and orthotics therapy) for deformational plagiocephaly. A standardized method guidelines (Critical Review Form-Quantitative Studies) has been used.
RESULTS
Only 11 cohort studies met the inclusion criteria and six reviews of literature were analyzed. Many biases have been identified, most of the time, favoring the repositioning groups (older infants and plagiocephaly more severe).
CONCLUSIONS
Several different orthotics seem to correct head deformities better and faster than repositioning protocols. Evaluation methods, treatment indications and long-term efficacy should be clarified. Studies about treatment risks are warranted.
Topics: Humans; Orthotic Devices; Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic; Posture
PubMed: 23433755
DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2012.12.005 -
Developmental Medicine and Child... Aug 2005This review aimed to synthesize current research evidence to determine the effectiveness of conservative interventions for infants with positional plagiocephaly. A... (Review)
Review
This review aimed to synthesize current research evidence to determine the effectiveness of conservative interventions for infants with positional plagiocephaly. A systematic review was conducted, where papers were sourced from 13 library and internet databases. Research was included if published in English between 1983 and 2003. Level of evidence and quality of each paper was assessed to determine studies' magnitude of inherent bias. Results were synthesized in a narrative format and were considered with respect to homogeneity of participants, response rate, and outcome measures. Sixteen papers met inclusion criteria: 12 were case series and four were comparative studies. The methodological quality of the studies was moderate to poor, thus their results should be interpreted with caution. A consistent finding was that counterpositioning +/- physiotherapy or helmet therapy may reduce skull deformity; however, it was not possible to draw conclusions regarding the relative effectiveness of these interventions. Further investigation is required to compare the effect of helmet therapy with counterpositioning alone or when combined with physiotherapy. First, there is a need to develop an outcome measurement battery which incorporates psychometrically-sound measures from the perspectives of clinicians and patients.
Topics: Humans; Infant; Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic; Posture
PubMed: 16108460
DOI: 10.1017/s0012162205001118 -
Pediatric Neurosurgery 2022Craniosynostosis is a condition characterized by the premature fusion of 2 or more skull bones. Craniosynostosis of the lambdoid suture is one of the rarest forms,...
BACKGROUND
Craniosynostosis is a condition characterized by the premature fusion of 2 or more skull bones. Craniosynostosis of the lambdoid suture is one of the rarest forms, accounting for 1-4% of all craniosynostoses. Documented cases are separated into simple (single suture), complex (bilateral), and associated with adjacent synostoses ("Mercedes Benz" Pattern) or syndromes (i.e., Crouzon, Sathre-Chotzen, Antley-Bixler). This condition can manifest phenotypic deformities and neurological sequelae that can lead to impaired cognitive function if improperly treated or left undiagnosed. Preferred surgical techniques have varied over time but all maintain the common goals of establishing proper head shape and preventing of complications that could contribute to aforementioned sequelae.
SUMMARY
This comprehensive review highlights demographic distributions, embryological development, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, neurological sequelae, radiologic findings, surgical techniques, surgical outcomes, and postoperative considerations of patients with lambdoid craniosynostosis presentation. In addition, a systematic review was conducted to explore the operative management of lambdoid craniosynostosis using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases, with 38 articles included after screening. Key Messages: Due to a low volume of published cases, diagnosis and treatment can vary. Large overlap in presentation can occur in patients that display lambdoid craniosynostosis and posterior plagiocephaly, furthering the need for comprehensive analysis. Possessing the knowledge and tools to properly assess patients with lambdoid craniosynostosis will allow for more precise care and improved outcomes.
Topics: Cranial Sutures; Craniosynostoses; Humans; Infant; Neurosurgical Procedures; Plagiocephaly; Skull
PubMed: 34864743
DOI: 10.1159/000519175 -
Developmental Medicine and Child... Aug 2008This review aims to determine how head shape is measured and describes the use of orthoses in the management of deformational plagiocephaly. A systematic review was... (Review)
Review
This review aims to determine how head shape is measured and describes the use of orthoses in the management of deformational plagiocephaly. A systematic review was conducted and papers published in English up to and including 2006 were sourced from nine databases. After initial screening, 20 papers were included; three literature reviews and 17 original papers. Of the original papers, eight concerned the method of head shape measurement. Measurements are important in determining clinical classification and treatment modality of deformational plagiocephaly. All studies were appraised and assigned a level of evidence according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Methodological quality was inadequate. Publications involving the use of cranial orthoses used convenience samples, were not blinded, and used different measurement techniques. No comparison groups were included and participants were not randomized. Evidence suggests that conservative treatments might reduce skull deformity although the quality is poor. Clinical studies investigating the use of cranial orthoses reported beneficial effects. Further research is required to identify the efficacy of cranial orthoses in the treatment of deformational plagiocephaly based on a standardized measurement technique to facilitate classification of this condition.
Topics: Anthropometry; Child, Preschool; Head; Humans; Infant; Orthotic Devices; Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic; Reference Values; Supine Position
PubMed: 18754893
DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2008.03017.x -
World Neurosurgery: X Jul 2024Deformational plagiocephaly, deformational brachycephaly, and deformational scaphocephaly are the most common types of skull deformities during the first year of life.... (Review)
Review
Deformational plagiocephaly, deformational brachycephaly, and deformational scaphocephaly are the most common types of skull deformities during the first year of life. Using a cranial remolding orthosis (CRO) can have an important role in achieving a satisfactory level of improvement in symmetry and proportion of the deformed skulls. However, there is no consensus on the most important parameters for the success or length of treatment with a CRO. In this study, we did a systematic literature review in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE on January 2023. Titles/abstracts of the found studies were screened by two independent reviewers. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included articles. The best evidence synthesis was considered to determine the strength of the reported factors. A total of 25 articles with an accumulated sample of 7594 participants were included. Nine predictive factors, including age at initiation of CRO treatment, CRO compliance, deformity severity, deformity type, torticollis, gestational age, gestational type, delivery method, and developmental delay, were considered for CRO treatment length or success. Moderate evidence suggests that CRO treatment length is linked to a patient's age at the start of treatment and the deformity severity. Moreover, treatment success is correlated with a patient's age at the start of treatment, CRO compliance, and deformity severity. Moderate evidence indicates that there is no relationship between the presence of torticollis and gestational age with CRO treatment success.
PubMed: 38799788
DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2024.100386