Vacuum extraction, bone injury and neonatal subgaleal bleeding.
In a population of 27 flemish newborns with subgaleal bleeding encountered within a period of 6 years, we studied the obstetrical, clinical and radiological data. In contrast with controversial findings from the available literature, there is little doubt that difficult, often elective vacuum extraction is the main cause of this neonatal emergency. Disturbances in haemostasis, when documented, were attributed to focal intrahaematoma consumption, except for one boy who presented with haemophilia and neonatal subgaleal bleeding. Conventional X-ray examination continues to be of importance for the documentation of suture diastasis, fissures and fractures. CT scan reveals both the amount of extra-osseous bleeding, the degree of bone displacement and injury as well as the type and extent of associated intracranial damage. Subgaleal haemorrhage rarely hides a growing synchrondrosal rupture.
Govaert
P
P
Department of Paediatrics, Gent University Hospital, Belgium.
Vanhaesebrouck
P
P
De Praeter
C
C
Moens
K
K
Leroy
J
J
D001720:Birth Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012535:Scalp / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014620:Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects*