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Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico conducted a study on preschoolers with non-syndromic craniosynostosis undergoing surgery to determine their cognitive performance compared to typically developing children. The study found that children with non-syndromic craniosynostosis, particularly those with unicoronal synostosis, exhibited more cognitive difficulties than those with normal development. Assessing cognition in preschoolers with craniosynostosis is crucial to detect potential difficulties early on. The research was supported by the National Council of Science and Technology and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, have conducted a study on Mandibulofacial Dysostosis, specifically focusing on the clinical severity of the Guion-Almeida type. The study aimed to establish a genotype-phenotype correlation in patients with this condition, particularly looking at the influence of genetic variants in the EFTUD2 gene. The research found that while there was no clear genotype-phenotype correlation overall, Asians tended to exhibit more severe clinical manifestations compared to Caucasians, with cardiac abnormalities being a predisposing factor for increased severity. This study provides valuable insights into the pathogenic variants of EFTUD2 and potential genotype-phenotype relationships in Mandibulofacial Dysostosis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands analyzed the learning curve and patient outcomes of endoscopically assisted craniosynostosis surgery over a 20-year period. The research found that with each additional surgery, the odds of postoperative complications and blood transfusions decreased. The study concluded that endoscopically assisted craniosynostosis surgery is a safe and effective technique with low complication rates, and surgeons can expect better outcomes with increased surgical experience. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Cornell University Weill Cornell Medical Center conducted a retrospective analysis on the impact of health disparities on the treatment of single suture craniosynostosis before and during the pandemic. The study found that there were significant differences in the age of presentation, age of surgery, and type of surgery received based on race, with black and Hispanic patients presenting later, having surgery later, and undergoing open surgery more frequently than white/Asian patients. The pandemic did not alter the age of presentation, age of surgery, or rates of patients receiving endoscopic surgery for single suture craniosynostosis. The research concluded that there was no relationship between insurance status and the type of surgery received during the pandemic. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Dell Medical School have conducted a study on the use of spring-assisted cranioplasty in treating unicoronal synostosis, a condition that can lead to skull base scoliosis and orbital asymmetry. The study found that spring cranioplasty can be a safe and effective strategy in younger patients, improving outcomes such as intracranial volume and facial symmetry. While long-term data is needed, early correction of cranial base scoliosis shows promise for stable results as patients mature. The study was published in the journal FACE by SAGE Publications. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University focused on the reconstruction of forearm rotation function using an external fixator to treat congenital radioulnar synostosis. The research involved six patients with this condition, and results showed significant improvements in rotation and functional rating index post-surgery. The study concluded that this technique is safe and effective in restoring partial rotational function of the forearm. For more information, readers can refer to the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust focused on developmental outcomes in 7- and 10-year-old children with sagittal synostosis. The study analyzed data from children who underwent primary corrective surgery and completed routine clinical screening at Highly Specialist Craniofacial Centres in the UK. Results indicated that most children with sagittal synostosis showed average behavioral and neurodevelopmental outcomes, with a slight risk of difficulty in perceptual reasoning and visuomotor skills. The research aims to enhance understanding of the psychological phenotype of sagittal synostosis, addressing a key research priority for parents and clinicians. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study on craniosynostosis, a condition where the skull bones fuse prematurely, found differences in scalp tension among patients of different races. Researchers at Necker Hospital for Sick Children in Paris measured skin tension in European and Asian patients undergoing cranioplasty, with European patients showing higher tension levels. The study suggests that scalp tension varies by race and should be considered when selecting treatment options. This research provides valuable insights into the impact of race on craniosynostosis treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Mahidol University in Thailand conducted a 20-year retrospective cohort study to evaluate the visual prognosis in craniosynostosis patients and identify ophthalmologic manifestations and outcomes of strabismus surgery in these patients. The study included 123 patients, with 85.98% showing no visual impairment at the last visit. Strabismus was present in 87 patients, with exotropia being the most common type. The success rate for strabismus surgery in craniosynostosis patients was 50%. Syndromic craniosynostosis cases had worse visual outcomes and a higher incidence of ocular diseases compared to non-syndromic cases. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh focused on Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RTS), a rare genetic condition characterized by distinct physical features. The study examined a series of RTS cases and highlighted the role of neurosurgery in managing these patients. The research found that the majority of patients had CREBBP pathogenic variants, and a significant number of patients had low-lying conus medullaris and Chiari malformation. The study concluded that RTS patients have a high incidence of symptomatic Chiari I malformation and tethered cord syndrome. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Minnesota examined the complications that can arise in the two-year period following pediatric syndactyly release surgery. Syndactyly release is a common procedure performed by pediatric hand surgeons to correct congenital hand deformities. The study found that the complication rate was 31% per surgical event, with the most common complications being unplanned cast changes. Risk factors for complications included operating on more than one web per surgery and undergoing multiple surgical events. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals and patients considering syndactyly release surgery. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Children's Hospital Los Angeles explored sociodemographic factors that contribute to delayed presentation in craniosynostosis surgery. The study found that patients with public insurance or who resided in more disadvantaged areas tended to present later for surgical consultation. These disparities in healthcare access can affect treatment options and outcomes. The researchers suggest that eliminating these disparities can lead to more equitable access to surgical options and improve patient outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A research study conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, aimed to determine the impact of helmet therapy (HT) as a treatment for craniosynostosis. The study conducted a systematic literature review and identified 14 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The results showed that there is no clear superiority between strip craniectomy (SC) with or without HT for treating nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. The study suggests the need for international multicenter trials to provide more robust and generalizable findings. [Extracted from the article]

A comparative study conducted at Osaka City General Hospital in Japan examined the use of internal and external devices in Le Fort III distraction surgery for syndromic craniosynostosis. The study included 60 patients and analyzed demographic data, surgery-related data, and complications. The findings revealed that complications were more likely to occur with internal devices, particularly device infections. The study provides valuable information for surgeons in selecting the appropriate device for this procedure. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Phoenix Children's Hospital in Arizona aimed to assess the utility of ultrasound imaging for diagnosing abnormal tracheal morphology in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis. Two age-matched cohorts were identified: patients with syndromic craniosynostosis and known tracheal cartilaginous sleeves (TCS), and normal controls without tracheal pathology. The results showed that tracheal ultrasound is a feasible and accurate screening tool for TCS, and can be successfully performed without sedation in patients up to 18 years of age, with or without tracheostomy tubes. The study was published in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences in Odisha, India, focused on personalized medicine and specifically examined a case of Poland syndrome (PS). PS is a rare congenital disorder characterized by unilateral chest wall anomalies, such as the absence or underdevelopment of the pectoralis major muscle. While PS is typically diagnosed in childhood, this case report highlights a 45-year-old male who presented with late-onset symptoms. The study emphasizes the importance of considering PS in the differential diagnosis of unilateral chest wall anomalies, even in adult patients, and discusses management strategies, including surgical intervention and physiotherapy tailored to the patient's specific needs. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aimed to investigate the prevalence of ocular manifestations in craniosynostosis among Middle Eastern populations. The study included 31 Arab children with craniosynostosis and found that 20.8% of them had significant refractive errors, with 40% being myopic and 60% being hyperopic. Additionally, 25.8% of the patients had papilledema, which improved after craniofacial surgery. The researchers recommend timely referral and regular ophthalmic evaluation for patients with craniosynostosis to address potentially correctable cases of visual impairment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Wroclaw Medical University in Poland examined the quality of life and impact on family functioning for children with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RSTS). RSTS is a rare genetic disorder characterized by distinctive clinical features such as craniofacial abnormalities, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and unique hand features. The study found that children with RSTS had lower quality of life scores in physical and social functioning, with older children experiencing lower quality of life overall. The research provides valuable insights into the experiences of individuals with RSTS and their families. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) focused on the association between intestinal malrotation and levocardia, a congenital heart defect. The study examined the case of an eight-month-old child with intestinal malrotation, situs inversus, levo-cardia, single ventricle, and Spondylo-costal dysostosis. The research emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary approach in treating such complex cases and called for further reporting and genetic studies to understand the embryo pathogenesis of these conditions. The study was published in the Journal of Neonatal Surgery. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust have made advancements in the understanding of mandibulofacial dysostosis, a rare genetic disorder. The study focused on a female patient who was initially diagnosed with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, but exhibited additional symptoms that were not fully explained by this diagnosis. Further investigation revealed that the patient had a dual diagnosis of achondroplasia and mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly. This case highlights the complexity of genetic diagnoses and the potential for coexistence of multiple genetic syndromes in a single patient. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Mississippi Medical Center examined the differences between scaphocephalic and normocephalic patients with sagittal synostosis, a condition where the skull bones fuse prematurely. The researchers analyzed head CT scans of 20 patients with each type of synostosis and compared them to age- and sex-matched controls. They found that there were significant differences in cranial measurements and intracranial volumes between the two groups, indicating that although they share the diagnosis of sagittal synostosis, they are morphometrically distinct from each other and from controls. This research provides valuable craniometric evidence for understanding the variations within this condition. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Peking University International Hospital in Beijing, China, analyzed the effects of Le Fort III distraction surgery on pediatric patients with syndromic craniosynostosis and obstructive sleep apnea. The study found that the surgery effectively enlarged the upper airway width and improved sleep apnea in these patients. Cephalometric changes and improvements in airway morphology were correlated with long-term improvements in polysomnography outcomes. The research suggests that Le Fort III distraction surgery can be an effective treatment option for pediatric patients with syndromic craniosynostosis and obstructive sleep apnea. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from University College London (UCL) Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health highlights the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in assessing the outcomes of midfacial surgery in patients with craniosynostosis. The researchers utilized a Swap Disentangled Variational Autoencoder (SD-VAE) model trained on a dataset of healthy and syndromic patients to objectively evaluate changes following surgery. By using linear discriminant analysis and a novel metric derived from the Mahalanobis distance, the researchers were able to visualize shape changes and quantify regional movements achieved during surgery. This study demonstrates how AI can enhance our understanding of surgery and its impact on craniofacial morphology, ultimately improving decision-making and patient outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Vancouver, Canada discusses advances in the treatment of synostosis, a condition where the bones in the skull fuse prematurely. The report focuses on the use of ultrasound during surgery to optimize incision planning and avoid misdiagnosis. The researchers found that using ultrasound to identify specific sutures in the skull helped ensure accurate incision placement and allowed for the identification of patent sutures in misdiagnosed patients. This study highlights the usefulness of ultrasound in pediatric neurosurgery. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center examined the effectiveness of different surgical techniques for treating sagittal craniosynostosis, a condition characterized by the premature fusion of the skull bones. The study analyzed 3D images of patients who underwent surgery for up to 5 years post-operation and compared the outcomes of three surgical methods: spring-assisted craniectomy, narrow-strip craniectomy plus orthotic helmet therapy, and wide-strip craniectomy with biparietal and bitemporal barrel stave wedge osteotomies plus orthotic helmet therapy. The results showed that all three techniques led to satisfactory correction of the skull deformity, with no statistically significant regression in longitudinal measurements. The study provides valuable insights for medical professionals and researchers working in the field of craniosynostosis treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Hawler Medical University evaluated the use of a local 'hexagonal' dorsal advancement flap (HDAF) for syndactyly repair without the need for a skin graft. The study included 18 subjects with different types of syndactyly, ranging from congenital to post-burn cases. The results showed that the HDAF technique was safe and effective, with no flap loss or recurrences of syndactyly. The procedure resulted in good aesthetic outcomes and well-functioning fingers. The study concluded that the HDAF technique is a straightforward and successful approach for syndactyly repair, regardless of age or type of syndactyly. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust in London, United Kingdom, examined the optic nerve head morphology in children with craniosynostosis compared to healthy controls. The study used handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure various parameters of the optic nerve head. The results showed that children with craniosynostosis had differences in optic nerve head morphology compared to controls, particularly in syndromic craniosynostosis. These findings could potentially improve ophthalmological monitoring and surgical decision-making for children with craniosynostosis. Further research on longitudinal optic nerve head changes in both syndromic and non-syndromic craniosynostosis is recommended. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania examined the changes in the ventricular system of patients with craniosynostosis after undergoing posterior vault distraction osteogenesis (PVDO). The study found that both patients with syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis experienced an increase in intracranial volume (ICV) after PVDO. However, only patients with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis experienced a significant change in ventricular volume (VV). The results suggest that patients with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis may have a compensated state that allows for the maintenance of parenchymal health and prevents the development of intracranial hypertension. Further research may explore ventricular volume as a marker for elevated intracranial pressure and the use of cranial vault remodeling for other conditions with cranial disproportion. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Seattle Children's Hospital discusses the development of consensus-based algorithms for genetic testing in patients with craniofacial conditions such as craniosynostosis, orofacial cleft, and branchial arch anomalies. The collaborative effort involved genetics and pediatrics providers from four institutions who developed and modified the algorithms based on feedback. The researchers emphasize that timely and accurate genetic diagnosis can support safer surgical interventions and that algorithms can guide best practices for testing, especially in institutions without easy access to genetics providers. The full article can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Ulsan in Seoul, South Korea, examined the impact of fronto-orbital distraction osteogenesis (FODO) on orbital dysmorphology and the development of strabismus in patients with unicoronal craniosynostosis (UCS). The study analyzed the orbital morphology of 19 patients with UCS before and after FODO, comparing it to age-matched control subjects. The results showed that orbital dysmorphology in UCS is bilateral and that FODO can improve the dysmorphology of the orbital roofs. The study also found that horizontal strabismus, such as esotropia and exotropia, is common after FODO, and that superomedial orbital roof asymmetry may contribute to its development. [Extracted from the article]

A new study published by researchers in the Neuroscience Department explores the effects of endoscopic-assisted strip craniectomy on children with craniosynostosis. Craniosynostosis is a condition that can lead to cranial and skull base deformities and increased intracranial pressure. The study found that endoscopic-assisted craniectomy had an immediate effect on lowering intracranial pressure and improving ophthalmological findings in infants with craniosynostosis. The research provides valuable insights into the management of craniosynostosis in young children. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, examined the incidence of nonsynostotic positional plagiocephaly and/or brachycephaly (PPB) in infants and its association with developmental disorders. The study found that 5.8% of infants had PPB, with a higher incidence in preterm infants. The incidence of craniosynostosis, a related condition, was 0.16%. Additionally, 7.5% of infants with PPB had a confirmed developmental disorder by the age of 7, with a prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at 2.2%. The study suggests that only a small percentage of infants with positional head deformity go on to develop developmental disorders, providing valuable information for counseling families. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Mississippi aimed to understand the geographic and demographic patterns of patients with craniosynostosis (CS) in Mississippi. The study found that among 222,819 live births in Mississippi between 2015 and 2020, 79 pediatric patients presented with CS, resulting in an overall incidence of 0.355/1000 live births. The incidence of CS was higher in the coastal and central regions compared to northeast Mississippi. The study suggests that further research could reveal regional differences in risk factors and access to specialized CS care in the state. [Extracted from the article]