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01-06-2012 | Original Paper

Neurodevelopmental functioning of infants with untreated single-suture craniosynostosis during early infancy

Authors: Annette C. Da Costa, Vicki A. Anderson, Ravi Savarirayan, Jacquie A. Wrennall, David K. Chong, Anthony D. Holmes, Andrew L. Greensmith, John G. Meara

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 6/2012

Abstract

Purpose

Single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC) is a congenital craniofacial disorder, in which premature fusion of one of the skull sutures restricts and distorts growth of the cranium and underlying brain. This disorder of prenatal onset occurs during a critical phase of rapid growth and development of the immature brain. Craniosynostosis carries a known risk of developmental impairment. The neurodevelopmental sequelae of SSC prior to treatment remains however incompletely understood. This study sought to determine the neurodevelopmental sequelae of untreated single-suture craniosynostosis during early infancy.

Methods

Fifty-six consecutive patients with unoperated SSC (sagittal, metopic and unicoronal) comprised the sample cohort. Patients were aged between 4 and 16 months (M = 8.9 months, SD = 2.9 months). Neurodevelopmental functioning was assessed with the mental (Mental Development Index) and motor (Psychomotor Development Index) scales of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, second edition.

Results

Children with SSC displayed significantly lower mean mental (M = 97.7, SD = 6.7, p < 0.05) and motor (M = 87.7, SD = 13.0, p < 0.001) scores than normative population averages. The distribution of these scores also differed significantly from the normative distribution; an increased rate of significant motor developmental delay was found, and none of the children displayed accelerated development. Subgroup comparisons between the primary diagnostic subtypes in this sample revealed no significant differences in mental or motor skill functioning.

Conclusions

Untreated SSC is associated with an increased incidence of developmental delay during early infancy, with motor skills appearing the most vulnerable to impairment during this developmental phase.

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Title: Neurodevelopmental functioning of infants with untreated single-suture craniosynostosis during early infancy
Authors: Annette C. Da Costa
Vicki A. Anderson
Ravi Savarirayan
Jacquie A. Wrennall
David K. Chong
Anthony D. Holmes
Andrew L. Greensmith
John G. Meara
Publication date: 01-06-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Child's Nervous System / Issue 6/2012
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-011-1660-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Neurodevelopmental functioning of infants with untreated single-suture craniosynostosis during early infancy

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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