| Description |
"Dolichocephaly is a common cranial molding deformity in preterm infants that was initially described in the 1970s and is defined as an elongated anterior-posterior axis of the head. This deformity impacts the infant's fragile skull during hospitalization due to caregiver preference for the side-lying or prone position for ease of containment, decreased reflux episodes, and improved respiratory function. Despite our knowledge of why dolichocephaly occurs, as many as 73% of very preterm infants continue to develop this preventative cranial molding deformity.
This session will explore risk factors and outcomes for infants with dolichocephaly. Preventative measures including objective measures at various time points will be reviewed. Using data from an ongoing quality improvement initiative in the UNC Newborn Critical Care Center, we will discuss the implications of respiratory equipment on the preterm infant skull and changes in cranial index and circumference over time. We will examine available research on dolichocephaly including critical time periods for prevention in the NICU and evidence-supported positioning aids. Additionally, hands-on therapeutic intervention techniques to enhance infant midline control will be discussed. Finally, discharge preparation including caregiver education, positioning in the home/community setting, safe sleep, motor activities, and referral will be discussed."
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