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Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical... May 2018Craniosynostosis is a developmental craniofacial anomaly, resulting in impairment of brain development and abnormally shaped skull. The main cause of craniosynostosis is... (Review)
Review
Craniosynostosis is a developmental craniofacial anomaly, resulting in impairment of brain development and abnormally shaped skull. The main cause of craniosynostosis is premature closure of one or more cranial sutures. It usually occurs as an isolated condition, but may also be associated with other malformations as part of complex syndromes. When left untreated, craniosynostosis can cause serious complications, such as developmental delay, facial abnormality, sensory, respiratory and neurological dysfunction, anomalies affecting the eye, and psychological disturbances. Thus, early diagnosis, expert surgical techniques, postoperative care, and adequate follow-up are of vital importance in treating craniosynostosis.
Topics: Brain; Cranial Sutures; Craniosynostoses; Developmental Disabilities; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Prevalence; Skull
PubMed: 28623672
DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2017.2083 -
Disease Models & Mechanisms Apr 2022Craniosynostosis is a major congenital craniofacial disorder characterized by the premature fusion of cranial suture(s). Patients with severe craniosynostosis often have... (Review)
Review
Craniosynostosis is a major congenital craniofacial disorder characterized by the premature fusion of cranial suture(s). Patients with severe craniosynostosis often have impairments in hearing, vision, intracranial pressure and/or neurocognitive functions. Craniosynostosis can result from mutations, chromosomal abnormalities or adverse environmental effects, and can occur in isolation or in association with numerous syndromes. To date, surgical correction remains the primary treatment for craniosynostosis, but it is associated with complications and with the potential for re-synostosis. There is, therefore, a strong unmet need for new therapies. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of our current understanding of craniosynostosis, including typical craniosynostosis types, their clinical manifestations, cranial suture development, and genetic and environmental causes. Based on studies from animal models, we present a framework for understanding the pathogenesis of craniosynostosis, with an emphasis on the loss of postnatal suture mesenchymal stem cells as an emerging disease-driving mechanism. We evaluate emerging treatment options and highlight the potential of mesenchymal stem cell-based suture regeneration as a therapeutic approach for craniosynostosis.
Topics: Animals; Cranial Sutures; Craniosynostoses; Humans; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Mutation; Syndrome
PubMed: 35451466
DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049390 -
The Veterinary Quarterly Dec 2022Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a chronic, lifelong, debilitating, primarily obstructive airway disease which adversely affects the quality of life... (Review)
Review
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a chronic, lifelong, debilitating, primarily obstructive airway disease which adversely affects the quality of life of many popular dog breeds. Respiratory restriction in bulldog breeds, pugs and Boston terriers frequently co-exist with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, many brachycephalic dogs that appear clinically normal are, in fact suffering from chronic hypoxia and its systemic consequences. Concurrent gastroesophageal reflux-associated conditions, sleep disorders and systemic hypertension further impact the welfare of affected dogs. Acceptance of BOAS and associated clinical signs as being 'normal for the breed' is common amongst owners. While surgical correction of the upper airway is the mainstay of treatment, the provision of subsequent, frequently lifelong medical management is equally important for the maintenance of an acceptable quality of life, at least for some affected patients. Here we review the current knowledge concerning brachycephaly, combine it with shared clinical experience in the management of this debilitating condition, and discuss ethical considerations and the responsibility of veterinarians to contribute public education and to support appropriate breed standards for animals under our care.
Topics: Dogs; Animals; Quality of Life; Dog Diseases; Craniosynostoses; Airway Obstruction
PubMed: 36342210
DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2022.2145621 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) May 2014To determine the effectiveness of helmet therapy for positional skull deformation compared with the natural course of the condition in infants aged 5-6 months. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of helmet therapy for positional skull deformation compared with the natural course of the condition in infants aged 5-6 months.
DESIGN
Pragmatic, single blinded, randomised controlled trial (HEADS, HElmet therapy Assessment in Deformed Skulls) nested in a prospective cohort study.
SETTING
29 paediatric physiotherapy practices; helmet therapy was administered at four specialised centres.
PARTICIPANTS
84 infants aged 5 to 6 months with moderate to severe skull deformation, who were born after 36 weeks of gestation and had no muscular torticollis, craniosynostosis, or dysmorphic features. Participants were randomly assigned to helmet therapy (n=42) or to natural course of the condition (n=42) according to a randomisation plan with blocks of eight.
INTERVENTIONS
Six months of helmet therapy compared with the natural course of skull deformation. In both trial arms parents were asked to avoid any (additional) treatment for the skull deformation.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary outcome was change in skull shape from baseline to 24 months of age assessed using plagiocephalometry (anthropometric measurement instrument). Change scores for plagiocephaly (oblique diameter difference index) and brachycephaly (cranioproportional index) were each included in an analysis of covariance, using baseline values as the covariate. Secondary outcomes were ear deviation, facial asymmetry, occipital lift, and motor development in the infant, quality of life (infant and parent measures), and parental satisfaction and anxiety. Baseline measurements were performed in infants aged between 5 and 6 months, with follow-up measurements at 8, 12, and 24 months. Primary outcome assessment at 24 months was blinded.
RESULTS
The change score for both plagiocephaly and brachycephaly was equal between the helmet therapy and natural course groups, with a mean difference of -0.2 (95% confidence interval -1.6 to 1.2, P=0.80) and 0.2 (-1.7 to 2.2, P=0.81), respectively. Full recovery was achieved in 10 of 39 (26%) participants in the helmet therapy group and 9 of 40 (23%) participants in the natural course group (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval 0.4 to 3.3, P=0.74). All parents reported one or more side effects.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the equal effectiveness of helmet therapy and skull deformation following its natural course, high prevalence of side effects, and high costs associated with helmet therapy, we discourage the use of a helmet as a standard treatment for healthy infants with moderate to severe skull deformation.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN18473161.
Topics: Cephalometry; Child Development; Cohort Studies; Craniosynostoses; Female; Head Protective Devices; Humans; Infant; Male; Parents; Physical Therapy Modalities; Plagiocephaly; Quality of Life; Single-Blind Method; Skull; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 24784879
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.g2741 -
Journal of Comparative Pathology Apr 2020Brachycephalic dog breeds have experienced a marked rise in popularity in recent years. While numerous people clearly desire this phenotype in their pets, many of these... (Review)
Review
Brachycephalic dog breeds have experienced a marked rise in popularity in recent years. While numerous people clearly desire this phenotype in their pets, many of these dogs unfortunately experience several concomitant sequelae, including major problems with respiration and thermoregulation, as well as gastrointestinal, ophthalmological, dermatological, reproductive and even dental problems. This mini review focuses on the anatomical and pathological changes associated with brachycephalic skull shape, including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and other co-existent disorders. It then details the known genetic contributors to brachycephaly, and concludes with a brief discourse on the welfare of these animals.
Topics: Animals; Craniosynostoses; Dog Diseases; Dogs
PubMed: 32359622
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.02.008 -
The Journal of Clinical Investigation Nov 2023Skull development coincides with the onset of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation, brain-CSF perfusion, and meningeal lymphangiogenesis, processes essential for brain...
Skull development coincides with the onset of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation, brain-CSF perfusion, and meningeal lymphangiogenesis, processes essential for brain waste clearance. How these processes are affected by craniofacial disorders such as craniosynostosis are poorly understood. We report that raised intracranial pressure and diminished CSF flow in craniosynostosis mouse models associate with pathological changes to meningeal lymphatic vessels that affect their sprouting, expansion, and long-term maintenance. We also show that craniosynostosis affects CSF circulatory pathways and perfusion into the brain. Further, craniosynostosis exacerbates amyloid pathology and plaque buildup in Twist1+/-:5xFAD transgenic Alzheimer's disease models. Treating craniosynostosis mice with Yoda1, a small molecule agonist for Piezo1, reduces intracranial pressure and improves CSF flow, in addition to restoring meningeal lymphangiogenesis, drainage to the deep cervical lymph nodes, and brain-CSF perfusion. Leveraging these findings, we show that Yoda1 treatments in aged mice with reduced CSF flow and turnover improve lymphatic networks, drainage, and brain-CSF perfusion. Our results suggest that CSF provides mechanical force to facilitate meningeal lymphatic growth and maintenance. Additionally, applying Yoda1 agonist in conditions with raised intracranial pressure and/or diminished CSF flow, as seen in craniosynostosis or with ageing, is a possible therapeutic option to help restore meningeal lymphatic networks and brain-CSF perfusion.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Glymphatic System; Brain; Lymphatic Vessels; Perfusion; Craniosynostoses; Drainage; Ion Channels
PubMed: 37917195
DOI: 10.1172/JCI171468 -
Neuro-Chirurgie Nov 2019The aim of this review was to report on recent advances in trigonocephaly since the last report on craniosynostosis published in 2006. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this review was to report on recent advances in trigonocephaly since the last report on craniosynostosis published in 2006.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Research focused on four main topics: epidemiology, neurodevelopmental disorders, genetics and surgical techniques.
RESULTS
Forty reports were included. The prevalence of trigonocephaly increased during the last two decades both in Europe and in the United States, but no clear contributing factors have yet been identified. Neurodevelopmental disorders are frequent in syndromic trigonocephaly and not particularly rare in non-syndromic cases (up to 34%). Developmental retardation (speech, motor or global) was almost always present in children exposed to valproic acid. Chromosomal abnormalities described in metopic synostosis comprised deletion of chromosome 11q24, deletion or trisomy of 9p and deletion of 7p, deletions of 3q, 13q, 12pter, 22q11, and duplication of 15q25. SMAD6 mutations should be systematically screened for in familial cases. Recent advances in surgical techniques have mainly concerned endoscopic-assisted procedures, as they significantly reduce perioperative morbidity.
CONCLUSIONS
Neurosurgeons, maxillofacial and plastic surgeons will be increasingly concerned with trigonocephaly because of the increase in prevalence observed over the last two decades. Cytogenetic alterations are probably underestimated in this craniosynostosis, considering the high rate of neurodevelopmental retardation compared to other single-suture synostoses. Genetic counselling is therefore more and more effective in this pathology. An objective method to evaluate the cosmetic results of both endoscopic and open surgeries is necessary, as some under-corrections have been reported with minimally invasive surgery.
Topics: Anticonvulsants; Child; Child, Preschool; Craniosynostoses; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Intellectual Disability; Mass Screening; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Valproic Acid
PubMed: 31568780
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2019.09.014 -
In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2023Craniosynostosis refers to the early fusion of one or many cranial sutures, causing craniofacial abnormalities observed in 1:2,500 births worldwide. In most cases (85%),... (Review)
Review
Craniosynostosis refers to the early fusion of one or many cranial sutures, causing craniofacial abnormalities observed in 1:2,500 births worldwide. In most cases (85%), craniosynostosis is presented as sporadic anomaly (non-syndromic craniosynostosis), while in other cases (15%) as part of syndromes (syndromic craniosynostosis). Patients with syndromic disorder usually have more severe symptoms compared to those with single suture synostosis. Most common syndromes of craniosynostosis include Pfeiffer, Apert, Crouzon, Jackson-Weiss, Muenke and Boston type MSX2-related syndrome. The main gene mutations in craniosynostosis involve FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, TWIST1 and MSX2, which encode key factors influencing cranial bone morphogenesis. The main therapeutic approaches are surgical as discussed in this review, and the type of therapy depends on the graveness of the incident.
Topics: Humans; Craniosynostoses; Skull; Mutation; Syndrome
PubMed: 36593018
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13052 -
Child's Nervous System : ChNS :... Sep 2012Premature closure of the metopic suture results in a growth restriction of the frontal bones, which leads to a skull malformation known as trigonocephaly. Over the... (Review)
Review
Premature closure of the metopic suture results in a growth restriction of the frontal bones, which leads to a skull malformation known as trigonocephaly. Over the course of recent decades, its incidence has been rising, currently making it the second most common type of craniosynostosis. Treatment consists of a cranioplasty, usually preformed before the age of 1 year. Metopic synostosis is linked with an increased level of neurodevelopmental delays. Theories on the etiology of these delays range from a reduced volume of the anterior cranial fossa to intrinsic malformations of the brain. This paper aims to provide an overview of this entity by giving an update on the epidemiology, etiology, evolution of treatment, follow-up, and neurodevelopment of metopic synostosis.
Topics: Cognition Disorders; Craniosynostoses; Developmental Disabilities; Frontal Bone; History, 19th Century; Humans
PubMed: 22872249
DOI: 10.1007/s00381-012-1803-z -
Child's Nervous System : ChNS :... Oct 2021The enlargement of the posterior cranial fossa volume is considered one of the main steps of the surgical management of children with multiple sutures craniosynostosis.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The enlargement of the posterior cranial fossa volume is considered one of the main steps of the surgical management of children with multiple sutures craniosynostosis. Different management options have been proposed including fixed expansive craniotomy, free bone flap craniotomy, and distraction osteogenesis.
OBJECTIVES
To review indications to "free bone flap" craniotomy for the posterior fossa expansion, detailing advantages, disadvantages, and complications related to the technique.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
A review of the literature shows that "free bone flap" posterior expansion cranioplasty still has a role, particularly in infants with thin and "honeycomb" structure of the bone, allowing to gain adequate intracranial volume increases and to postpone to a more adequate time surgery aimed at anterior cranial fossa expansion.
Topics: Child; Craniosynostoses; Craniotomy; Humans; Infant; Osteogenesis, Distraction; Skull; Surgical Flaps
PubMed: 34268594
DOI: 10.1007/s00381-021-05281-x