Risk factors for positional plagiocephaly and appropriate time frames for prevention messaging. Issue 8 (1st October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mawji, Aliyah; Vollman, Ardene Robinson; Fung, Tak; Hatfield, Jennifer; McNeil, Deborah A; Sauvé, Reginald
• Is Part Of: Paediatrics & Child Health. Volume 19:Issue 8(2014)
• Page Start: 423
• Page End: 427
• Publication Date: 2014-10-01
• Subjects: Deformational plagiocephaly -- Nonsynostotic plagiocephaly -- Positional plagiocephaly -- Prevention -- Risk factors; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1093/pch/19.8.423
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1205-7088

Abstract

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine potential risk factors for developing positional plagiocephaly in infants seven to 12 weeks of age in Calgary, Alberta. METHODS: A prospective cohort design was used. Healthy term infants (n=440), seven to 12 weeks of age, from well-child clinics at four community health centres in Calgary, Alberta were assessed by the primary author and a registered nurse research assistant using Argenta's plagiocephaly assessment tool. Parents completed a questionnaire surveying risk factors. RESULTS: The incidence of positional plagiocephaly was estimated to be 46.6%. The following risk factors were identified using multiple logistic regression: right-sided head positional preference (OR 4.66 [95% CI 2.85 to 7.58]; P<0.001), left-sided head positional preference (OR 4.21 [95% CI 2.45 to 7.25]; P<0.001), supine sleep position (OR 2.67 [95% CI 1.58 to 4.51]; P<0.001), vacuum/forceps assisted delivery (OR 1.88 [95% CI 1.02 to 3.49]; P=0.04) and male sex (OR 1.55 [95% CI 1.00 to 2.38]; P=0.05). CONCLUSION: Advice to vary infants' head positions needs to be communicated to parents/guardians well before the two-month well-child clinic visit. This could occur in the prenatal period by prenatal care providers or educators, or during the neonatal period by postpartum and public health nurses. Prevention education may be emphasized for parents/guardians of male infants and infants who have had assisted deliveries.