Pediatr. praxi. 2014;15(1):45-46

The results of the spontaneous healing of cephalhematomas

MUDr.Martin Matas, doc.MUDr.Jiří Dort, Ph.D., MUDr.Hana Tobrmanová

Neonatologické oddělení, Fakultní nemocnice Plzeň

Introduction: A cephalhematoma is a birth trauma. It is a subperiostal bleeding limited to the surface of one or more skull bones. It

changes due to processes of calcification and ossification within several weeks into a hard bulge. Later a bone remodeling takes place

and at the end the original form of the skull bones is regained.

Objective: A retrospective study to assess the results after the spontaneous healing of cephalhematomas at the age 2–9 years in a cohort

of children born at University Hospital in Pilsen from 2004 to 2010.

Methods: The information was gained from health records at the out-patient department and x-ray examination or hospitalisation

records eventually. If there was none record within the hospital practical pediatricians and parents were asked to supply it.

Results: 20 097 children were born during the years 2004–2010, in 406 newborns a cephalhematoma was found (incidence 2,02%). In

this study group only one case of abnormal cranial shape was found but not considered as pathologic finding and that is why neither

examination nor treatment was indicated.

Summary: Based on the results of their study the authors confirm good final results of spontaneous healing processes of neonatal

cephalhematomas. Any active treatment methods such as puncture, drainage or surgery are not indicated.

Keywords: cephalhematoma, spontaneous healing, final results

Published: February 15, 2014  Show citation