title: Subgaleal haemorrhage in the newborn: A call for early diagnosis and aggressive management.
abstract: Subgaleal haemorrhage (SGH) is an important cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the neonate. Its increased prevalence in recent years has coincided with the rise in the number of births assisted by vacuum extraction. Three deaths in Australia within the last 7 years have been the subject of two coronial inquests. Subsequent coronial reports have highlighted that neonatal death from SGH can be prevented if appropriate attention is paid to identification of risk factors, early diagnosis, close observation and aggressive treatment. To prevent unnecessary deaths, all involved in the care of the baby after birth need to be aware of the importance of prompt diagnosis, monitoring and early treatment of SGH.
authors.affiliation: Perinatal Research Centre, The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Colditz
authors.forename: Melissa M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Cartwright
authors.forename: Paul B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Colditz
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001720:Birth Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D020202:Cerebral Hemorrhage, Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014620:Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects*
keywords: delivery; infant; newborn; perinatal mortality; subgaleal haemorrhage; vacuum extraction