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Open Access 01-06-2008 | Review

Symptomatic asymmetry in the first six months of life: differential diagnosis

Authors: Jacqueline Nuysink, Ingrid C. van Haastert, Tim Takken, Paul J. M. Helders

Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 6/2008

Abstract

Asymmetry in infancy is a clinical condition with a wide variation in appearances (shape, posture, and movement), etiology, localization, and severity. The prevalence of an asymmetric positional preference is 12% of all newborns during the first six months of life. The asymmetry is either idiopathic or symptomatic. Pediatricians and physiotherapists have to distinguish symptomatic asymmetry (SA) from idiopathic asymmetry (IA) when examining young infants with a positional preference to determine the prognosis and the intervention strategy. The majority of cases will be idiopathic, but the initial presentation of a positional preference might be a symptom of a more serious underlying disorder. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the current information on the incidence of SA, as well as the possible causes and the accompanying signs that differentiate SA from IA. This review presents an overview of the nine most prevalent disorders in infants in their first six months of life leading to SA. We have discovered that the literature does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the incidence, characteristics, signs, and symptoms of SA. Knowledge of the presented clues is important in the clinical decision making with regard to young infants with asymmetry. We recommend to design a valid and useful screening instrument.

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Title: Symptomatic asymmetry in the first six months of life: differential diagnosis
Authors: Jacqueline Nuysink
Ingrid C. van Haastert
Tim Takken
Paul J. M. Helders
Publication date: 01-06-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 6/2008
Print ISSN: 0340-6199
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1076
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-008-0686-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Symptomatic asymmetry in the first six months of life: differential diagnosis

Abstract

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Springer Medicine

Abstract

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