Pediatric Plastic Surgery

Rhys Lloyd of Cooroy does not let his disability get in the way of his competitive nature

2009-06-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

It takes him a few seconds, but with a determined frown and a bit of manoeuvring, Rhys Lloyd hooks his left arm over the swing and launches into the air.

This might seem an easy feat for most children, but the difference for six-year-old Rhys is that he has no left hand.

In theory, he should have to work twice as hard to do the things that most people take for granted.

But this little bundle of energy makes it all look relatively simple, effortlessly throwing and catching the football with his father and brother, picking up things from the ground, making sure he doesn’t miss out on anything in his childhood.

Via TheDaily.com.au

Baby's Sleep Position May Not Affect Severity of Head Flattening

2009-06-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

But study finds lower gestational age, being male did have a correlation

"We found a trend toward less flattening in infants who slept prone [face downward], or in positions that were alternated," Dr. Albert Oh, a professor of surgery at the Alpert Medical School at Brown University, said in a Hasbro Children's news release. "Interestingly, however, while supine [on the back] positioning has been a well-established risk factor for the development of plagiocephaly, we were not able to demonstrate a logical correlation to indicate more severe flattening from the supine position."

Via US News & World Report

Humans Cared for “Special-Needs” Kids 500,000 Years Ago, Say Researchers

2009-05-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

The oldest known fossil of a human child with a skull deformity has been discovered, suggesting that early humans did not kill or abandon their abnormal offspring, as has been commonly assumed. A research team reconstructed the 530,000-year-old skull, the first pieces of which were unearthed in Spain in 2001, and determined that the child likely suffered from craniosynostosis, a debilitating genetic disorder in which some pieces of the skull fuse too quickly, causing pressure to build in the brain [Wired] and interfering with brain development. The severity of the deformity is not clear, but researchers say the child probably had learning difficulties and other mental health issues, and certainly would have required extra care.

Via Discover Magazine, Wired

Risk factors for severe head flattening identified

2009-05-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

A number of factors, including gender and favorite head position -- but not sleeping position -- influence the severity of flat head syndrome in infants, researchers found in a study of 434 babies with the condition known medically as deformational plagiocephaly.

Via Reuters

Press Release: Positive effects outweigh negative for families of children with cleft lip and palate

2009-05-20T06:08:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Positive effects outweigh negative for families of children with cleft lip and palate

Contrary to previous reports, families who have children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) report more positive than negative experiences, according to a study in The Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Journal.

Most of the previous research on CLP has focused on individuals with CLP and not on their families. In addition, previous work has focused on the negative aspects of having CLP as opposed to the positive. This report applied the resiliency model of family stress, adjustment and adaptation to better understand the effect of CLP, or what the model would call a “life stressor,” on families.

Questionnaires were completed by family members. They were questioned about their views on coping strategies, social support, psychological distress, adjustment and family impact. The results differed from those of other reports. For example, positive adjustment outweighed psychological distress. Levels of social support were much higher, and there was a much greater use of approach-oriented coping strategies, as opposed to avoidance strategies.
Regardless of whether the outcomes reported were positive or negative, they were all dependent on the level of social support. Those who had confidants to speak with, who experienced a sense of belonging through engaging in various activities, and who were able to receive practical and tangible help fared much better than those without this support.
Families whose children were younger and had multiple medical problems experienced a greater impact from CLP. However, contrary to other reports, coping strategies and levels of support were not affected by these conditions. Social support was present regardless of the child’s age.

The results of this study will help researchers develop strategies to assist families with children with CLP. They will also serve to improve the morale of families by showing them ways their lives may be positively affected when faced with this challenging situation.

To read the entire study, “Coping Strategies and Social Support in the Family Impact of Cleft Lip and Palate and Parents’ Adjustment and Psychological Distress,” visithttp://www.allenpress.com/pdf/CPCJ_46.3_final10.15972F08-075.pdf

The Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Journal is an international, interdisciplinary journal reporting on clinical and research activities in cleft lip/palate and other craniofacial anomalies, together with research in related laboratory sciences. It is the Official Publication of the American Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Association (ACPA). For more information, visit http://www.acpa-cpf.org/

Media Contact:
Amy Schneider
Allen Press, Inc.
800/627-0326 ext. 412
Aschneider@allenpress.com

Girl Honored For Creating Smiles

2009-04-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

Recognizing that need and having a cleft palate herself, 11-year-old Paige Atkinson has stepped up in a big way to help and was honored for her efforts Friday at St. John's Lutheran School.

Atkinson has raised more than $50,000 to provide surgeries for over 200 kids in other countries born with cleft lips and palates.

A cause close to Atkinson's heart since she has undergone several surgeries herself to correct her cleft palate

"In America, we are so privileged because if they have a cleft they can get if fixed right away," said Atkinson. "But in Africa or in Asia, sometimes they die or have to go through all their life being shunned because of their mouth. I wanted to be able to help out and give them the same chance we have in America."

Via KERO 23

Pharaoh’s Feminine Figure Explained

2009-03-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Via Popular Science
Genetic disorders may have caused ruler’s unusual physique

The Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaton’s voluptuous body shape and elongated head and neck, recorded in ancient depictions of the male ruler, have long perplexed historians. But now Irwin Braverman, a professor of dermatology and an expert on visual diagnosis at the Yale University School of Medicine, is offering a theory on the characteristics, which are not found in representations of other pharaohs: Akhenaton may have suffered from two genetic disorders that affect body shape.

Akhenaton, who ruled from 1353 to 1336 B.C., is shown in paintings and statues as having prominent breasts and buttocks—indications, Braverman says, of a hormone disorder. An overproduction of the enzyme aromatase, which is instrumental in the body’s production of the hormone estrogen, is the likely culprit. In males, the disorder results in the development of feminine traits by puberty. Depictions that show Akhenaton’s prepubescent daughters with breasts support the genetic hormone-disorder theory.

Another genetic disease, craniosynostosis, which can result in the joints in the skull fusing too early, could have caused the pharaoh’s elongated head and neck. Egyptologists sometimes refer to the shape, which was common among 18th-dynasty royalty, as “royal head.” Illustrations of Akhenaton’s daughters also show the elongated head, as do mummies of his progeny. One such descendant: child-king Tutankhamen, who some believe may have been Akhenaton’s son. Akhenaton’s mummy has yet to be found, but Braverman hopes that DNA analysis of mummies of the pharaoh’s descendants may one day confirm his theory.

Baby born with 12 fingers, 12 toes, all perfect (Video)

2009-03-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

Via ABC KGO-TV, San Francisco, CA

DALY CITY, CA (KGO) -- A baby born with a rare hereditary condition is healthy and home with his parents in Daly City.

Kamani Hubbard was born two weeks ago at St. Luke's Hospital, with an extra finger on each of his hands and an extra toe on each foot, a condition known as polydactyly.

In Kamani's case, all of the digits are perfectly formed and function normally.

There is a history of polydactyly on Kamani's father side of the family, but no relative can remember it happening on both hands and feet.

Prenatal genetic test may cause birth defects

2009-03-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

A type of prenatal test that helps families learn of any serious genetic diseases in a fetus appears to increase the risk of certain birth defects, according to a study published today in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery.

The test, called chorionic villus sampling, or CVS, is commonly performed in the first trimester of pregnancy. During CVS, a small sample of the placenta is removed to test for genetic diseases. CVS is generally considered safe. The study today, however, analyzes the entire body of research on CVS and suggests that the procedure may increase the rate of blood vessel malformations called hemangiomas. Hemangiomas are common blood vessel malformations that are caused by an abnormal growth of cells linking the blood vessels. They can appear as small birthmarks that sometimes disappear later in life or large malformations that need to be removed.

Via Los Angeles Times

Left-handedness linked to facial disorder

2009-03-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

U.S. researchers identified an increased prevalence in left-handedness in children with a congenital disorder known as hemifacial microsomia.

The findings are published in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery.

Via MarketWatch

Dr. Muzaffar recognized in Guide to America's Top Surgeons", 2009 Edition

2009-02-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

Dr. Muzaffar was recognized in the "Guide to America's Top Surgeons", 2009 Edition.

The guide is published by the Consumers' Research Council of America, a Washington, D.C. based research organization that provides consumers' information guides for professional services throughout America.

Surf community rallies to help baby with craniosynostosis

2009-02-20T07:56:00.000-08:00

The surfing community is rallying to the cause. Employees at ZJ Boarding House operate like a big family and have dug into their pockets to help Gavan but think they could do more. A ZJ employee has now created an online site so others could donate to help baby Gavan and funds are starting to roll in little by little:

Via Global Surf News

Obesity During Pregnancy Linked to Infant Birth Defects

2009-02-13T07:58:00.000-08:00

Obese women are more likely to have babies with rare but serious birth defects, including spina bifida and other neural tube defects, and to a lesser degree heart anomalies, cleft palate and hydrocephaly, a new study confirms.

The latest research, which pooled and analyzed dozens of earlier studies, found that the risk of spina bifida was 2.2 times higher for babies of obese mothers compared to infants of normal weight women, while the risk of other neural tube defects was 1.8 times higher. The babies of obese mothers faced smaller increases in risk for heart defects, stunted limbs, a congenital malformation of the anal opening, and hydrocephaly, also called water on the brain.

Via The New York Times

Apert Syndrome Two of a Kind: Best buddies like what they see inside, too

2009-02-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

On his first day of kindergarten in August, 5-year-old Derek Coleman came home and told his mother, "Henry and I have the same piece of skin on our heads."

He pointed to the hairless racing stripe that runs from ear to ear over the top of his head.

Under most circumstances, a parent's response would have been, "Who's Henry?" But Rachel Coleman endured too many hours in hospital waiting rooms and too many sleepless nights to brush aside the significance of his words.

In a kindergarten classroom in a very small town, there is another child who's had the same kinds of cranial and facial surgeries as her son.

Henry is Henry Johnson, a 6-year-old who was born with Apert syndrome. I wrote about him last year as his mother, also named Rachel (Johnson), prepared to stage the first Henry's March walk-run benefiting the Children's Craniofacial Association. The nonprofit organization helps children get necessary surgeries and procedures. Last year's event, at California State University, Stanislaus, raised more than $26,000. This year's march will be March 22, again at the Turlock campus.

Via The Modesto Bee

Dr. Muzaffar distinguished as "Top Doctor" by Vox Magazine

2008-12-19T09:22:00.000-08:00

Dr. Muzaffar is listed in the 2008 Top Doctor picks by Vox Magazine.

The list is created from surveys completed by doctors and returned to the MU School of Journalism.

Amniotic Band Syndrome: Over and over, he proved them wrong.

2008-12-17T07:42:00.000-08:00

Refusing to limit his aspirations, Frankie Breland got used to ignoring the doubters. Over and over, he proved them wrong.

"People used to tell me all the time, 'Oh, you won't be able to do this.' But I've been able to do everything that's normal," said Breland.

Born about one month premature, Breland had a congenital abnormality called amniotic band syndrome that affected the formation of his fingers. He also was born with a cleft foot on his left leg, which Breland said a doctor broke and repositioned so Breland could eventually walk normally.

Via the HeraldNet.com

Brother of girl born with no ears has same condition : Treacher Collins Syndrome

2008-12-12T10:47:00.000-08:00

There has been a new development in the life of a little girl whose story touched many Channel 8 viewers.

Born deaf, Samantha Collins' world now includes sound.

But it's the next step in this story that could help other families who don't even know they're at risk.

Samantha has a face that sets her apart.

But in almost every way now, she's like most two-year-olds.

She loves to play.

She listens to music.

She doesn't mind her mommy all the time.

But the ability to hear so Sam can disobey is a wonderful new development, thanks to a special hearing aid that's snapped directly onto her skull.

Read the whole story here: http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa081107_lj_stjames.18f0c0295.html

Polydactyly: That extra digit needn't be a problem

2008-12-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

After giving birth to twin girls, Julia Styrczula-Di Tullio was shocked to learn one of her daughters had an extra thumb.

She worried her child Marina might be ostracized and subjected to a lifetime of ridicule.

"I was heartbroken," she said. "I was like, 'What did I do wrong? Did I expose her to something in pregnancy?'"

It was nothing the Bensenville mom did. Marina's fraternal twin sister, Valeria, does not have the condition, but it's believed to be inherited from a distant ancestor.

Read the whole story here: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=250792&src=120

Family adjusting to life with child stricken with rare disease

2008-11-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

A dedicated mom loves her daughter with diverse symptoms:

Like any young child, Natali shakes a rattle, holds her own bottle, chews on toys, waves bye-bye and watches cartoons on television. Acevedo said she considers her daughter a gift from God.

“I wouldn’t trade Natali for anything in the world,” Acevedo said. “Ever since she was born, I take her everywhere. When I’m out with her somewhere, at Wal-Mart or other stores and pushing her in her little wheelchair, and these older people come by, they look at her and keep going, then they turn around and say to me, ‘I thought you were pushing a little doll.’ They just fall in love with her.”

Read the whole story here: http://www.ocala.com/article/20081121/ARTICLES/811200261/1402/NEWS?Title=Local_family_adjusting_to_life_with_child_stricken_with_rare_disease

'We love those little boys'

2008-11-23T10:32:00.000-08:00

Here's the story of a family facing twins with rare congenital birth defects that continues to fight and love their twin sons:

Sleep is hard to come by. But to the family, it’s all worth the work and sacrifices. These little guys quickly worked their way into everyone’s hearts.

“They’re proving everybody wrong,” Poore said. They fight it when someone tries to hold them down, and they have fought against a lot of obstacles to be here today.

Read the full story here: http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2008/nov/22/family-raising-twins-with-rare-syndrome/

Adult patients with cleft lip or palate often require continuing multidisciplinary care for ongoing cleft-related issues

2008-11-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Adult patients with cleft lip or palate often require continuing multidisciplinary care for ongoing cleft-related issues
Chapel Hill, N.C. — A greater number of specialized or centralized care options may be needed for adults with cleft lip or palate, according to a new study, because these patients continue to face health and mental problems that often require the assistance of more than one specialist.
The patients include those continuing their care from childhood and others seeking new advice or intervention, according to authors Cher Bing Chuo, Yvonne Searle, Alison Jeremy, Bruce M. Richard, Ian Sharp, and Rona Slato. Their article, “The Continuing Multidisciplinary Needs of Adult Patients with Cleft Lip and/or Palate,” appeared in the October 2008 issue of The Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Journal, published by the American Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Association.
“Some adult patients of all ages and all cleft types continue to have problems related to their cleft lip and/or palate and want intervention for those problems,” according to the authors. The most common problem is persistent nasal deformity. Other issues include problems related to hearing, speech, teeth, and social life, plus concerns about social skills and social withdrawal.
The study examined patients who have been treated at adult multidisciplinary cleft clinics in the West Midlands, U.K., since June 2000. The researchers reviewed the number and nature of the patients’ problems and the types of treatment they required in 2004.
A total of 145 patients were seen in the adult cleft clinic. Of those, 55 patients attended as part of their continuing care. Ninety were newly referred as adults to the cleft service. Patients ranged in age from 15 to 70 years and had, on average, three clinical problems each.
According to the authors, “Intervention for the patients reviewed in this study included varied types of surgery, dental rehabilitation, psychological assessment and support, and speech assessment and therapy.”
The authors conclude, “The problems of adults with cleft lip and/or palate may be changing. Our study supports the need for a specialist multidisciplinary cleft clinic to provide continuing care for patients who have a history of cleft lip and/or palate.”
To read the entire study, visit: http://www.allenpress.com/pdf/cpcj-45-06-15.pdf
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The Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Journal is an international, interdisciplinary journal reporting on clinical and research activities in cleft lip/palate and other craniofacial anomalies, together with research in related laboratory sciences. For more information about the journal, see http://cpcj.allenpress.com/cpcjonline/?request=index-html.
Media Contact:
Amy Schneider
Allen Press, Inc.
800/627-0326 ext. 412
aschneider@allenpress.com

Teen organizes race to helps kids with cleft palates

2008-10-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution - GA, USA

One day in February four years ago, Robin and Ryan were out for a jog when the idea for the 5K came up, Robin said.

They knew that many 5K or 10K races raise money for charities or causes. They figured they could start one for children with cleft palates, she said.

Read the whole story here: http://www.ajc.com/living/content/living/stories/2008/09/13/cleft_palate_run.html

Mother to lobby PM over syndrome

2008-10-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

From BBC News:

A woman who had to pay £2,000 for treatment for her baby's medical condition is to lobby Gordon Brown to call for it to be made free on the NHS.
Kate Fisher's daughter Matilda has a form of plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome.
As a result, the 18-month-old's head is wider than it is long.
Ms Fisher, from Mirfield, West Yorkshire, has collected over 5,000 signatures on a petition calling for the NHS to fund special helmets.

Read the whole story here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7588933.stm

Juliet’s Journey: Life with benign but disfiguring tumor

2008-10-07T15:04:00.000-07:00

Via the Colorado Springs Gazette - Colorado Springs,CO,USA
The story of a young girl with a Vascular Anomaly: hemangioma.

The girl wants to know why Juliet's lip is the size of a large grape, discolored and misshapen. She's puzzled by the massive growth of pink and white tissue that has overtaken the 2-year-old's ear, her left cheek and her neck. I could tell them. I could explain it is a hemangioma, a common but little understood birthmark - or, more accurately, a benign tumor, a vascular neoplasm, a mass of blood vessels.

Weighing the risks

2008-09-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

From the San Diego Union Tribune - United States

Driven by diet fatigue, bullying and anxious parents, hundreds of obese children in the United States are going under the knife each year in a last-ditch attempt to shed excess pounds.
Weight-loss surgeries that were considered experimental for adults only eight years ago are gaining popularity among overweight adolescents, some as young as 11.

Read the whole story here: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080921-9999-lz1n21risks.html