A Systematic Review of Positional Plagiocephaly Prevention Methods for Patients in Development

Abstract

Positional plagiocephaly is an asymmetrical skull deformation caused by various factors. Although it is not responsible for abnormal brain development in infants and is not related to the onset of neurophysiological problems, it is critical to prevent skull deformity to avoid aesthetic and functional consequences. The purpose of the study is to investigate the relevance of preventive procedures to the onset of positional plagiocephaly, such as the use of passive mattresses, which is primarily correlated with the need for newborns and infants to sleep and rest in proper posture. PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for papers that matched our topic, dating from January 2012 to 22 October 2022, with an English language restriction, using the following Boolean keywords: (“positional plagiocephaly” AND “prevention”). A total of 11 papers were included as relevant papers matching the purpose of our investigation. According to the research results, inadequate vitamin D and folic acid intake during pregnancy may increase the risk of skull deformation. Furthermore, babies should sleep on their backs and spend at least 30 min in tummy time. Using a passive sleep curve mattress has several advantages such as low cost, easy handling, no compliance system, and a marked improvement in head shape, allowing harmonious skull growth guided by normal brain expansion.

Non-obstetric risk factors for deformational plagiocephaly: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…A more recent systematic review by Inchingolo et al only provided the following two recommendations to mitigate the impact of non-obstetric risk factors for DP: at least 30 min in tummy time and use of a passive sleep curve mattress to improve harmonious skull growth [63]. It also did not include meta-analyses upon which to base recommendations.…”

Benefits of Natural Antioxidants on Oral Health

“…Some scientific studies note that the administration of vitamin B complex after periodontal surgery would ensure faster wound healing. In particular, vitamin B9 deficiency during pregnancy predisposes one to craniofacial malformations (cleft lip and palate) [ 58 , 59 ].…”

Importance of pediatrician’s role in preventing positional plagiocephaly

“…Plagiocephaly refers to the condition of asymmetrical skull deformation in a baby. The majority of cases are positional plagiocephaly (PP), in which the asymmetrical head shape is not caused by craniosynostosis but rather by external pressure at birth or during the general growth process [ 1 - 3 ]. Since craniosynostosis requires surgical treatment, it is important to differentiate it from PP.…”

“…Because the prevalence of PP is by no means small at about 3% and head shape is of great cosmetic interest to caregivers of infants, primary medical physicians receive much counseling about the shape of babies’ heads [ 3 ]. Moreover, because PP is reportedly associated with developmental delay and further musculoskeletal problems, primary care physicians should pay careful attention to patients at risk of PP [ 1 , 3 , 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Since head shape is determined within a few months of birth and could last for a lifetime, the rapid detection of and early intervention for PP are required [ 1 , 2 , 7 ]. First, parents should recognize that immobility is associated with delayed gross motor development or PP and encourage spontaneous and unhindered physical movement from birth [ 2 ].…”