Pediatric Plastic Surgery

Playing doctor

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:47:00 +0000

Young patients act out medical procedures on dolls to help them come to terms with their own treatments.

About 35 staffers help patients conduct such play at Children's Hospital. The program is one of more than 400 similar efforts in the United States and Canada, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The idea is to lessen the terror that kids may feel before a scary procedure. Research shows that structured play can reduce stress.

Read the whole story here: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/health_science/20080728_Playing_doctor.html

Mirfield parents tell others ‘Do not wait to seek treatment’

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:49:00 +0000

From the Huddersfield Daily Examiner (UK)

A MIRFIELD couple say specialist treatment has had a massive impact on improving their daughter after she was born with a rare condition.
And they have urged other parents to act quickly if they ever have a child with the same problem.
Kate Fisher and Alex Gleghorn had premature twins, Matilda and Harry, and at first there were fears they could have cystic fibrosis.

They waited anxiously for the results which, thankfully, proved negative.

But it is a mis-shapen head that has since caused little Matilda problems.

The 18-month-old has brachycephaly – known as flat head syndrome – and needs to wear a helmet 23 hours a day.

The couple claim that if health workers had spotted it sooner, Matilda would be on her way to a perfectly-shaped head.

When she was 15-months-old her parents spent £2,000 on a special helmet called a Starband in a last-ditch bid to correct the problem.

In just two months it has already made an improvement to little Matilda’s head shape.
Her parents now want to highlight the issue among other parents.

East Peoria teenager is an inspiration to teammates

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:53:00 +0000

Via NBC's Week.com

"I’ve coaches baseball for 14 years and I’ve never met a kid with more heart and courage and a greater work ethic than Karson," said Plummer. "He’s the epitome of toughness and he’s just a pleasure to work with."

Karson is one of his team's best players, even though he uses a prosthetic right leg and has an underdeveloped right hand, a condition known as Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS). Karson catches, and throws, with his left hand. And he's one of the best pitchers on his team.

Karson was a newborn when his right leg was amputated just below the knee. But he's never complained. Once, his prosthetic leg fell off running to second base. He crawled in safely. He even taught himself how to juggle. He's so inspired those around him that they're trying to raise money to buy Karson prosthetic leg made specifically for athletes.

More Teens Getting Breast Reduction Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 21:55:00 +0000

Part of the reason breast reduction surgery has become more popular among teens Gordon says that children have higher body weights than in previous years and girls are hitting puberty earlier than ever before

Read the story here:

Mom's smoking tied to oral birth defect

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:53:00 +0000

Via Reuters UK

Pregnant women who smoke or regularly breathe second-hand smoke may be raising the odds that their baby will be born with a cleft lip, a new study shows.

Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common types of birth defect. They arise when the tissues that form the roof of the mouth and the upper lip do not fuse properly, sometime between the fifth and ninth week of pregnancy.

Read the story here.

Link between maternal folate intake and incidence of cleft palate unlikely

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:06:00 +0000

Link between maternal folate intake and incidence of cleft palate unlikely

Previous studies have indicated a link between maternal intake of multivitamin supplements containing folate and decreased occurrence of cleft lip and/or cleft palate, and studies in animals have shown positive direct results. However, most studies in humans are more ambiguous. It is difficult to distinguish the effects of a specific nutrient, which are generally entwined with the effects of other nutrients, and many previous studies display design flaws (lack of randomized sampling, insufficient sample size to have statistical significance, inconsistent results*).

A new study in The Cleft Palate–Cranofacial Journal reports that the link between periconceptional folate intake and cleft palate or cleft lip may be weaker than previously thought. In a population-based, statistically comprehensive study of almost 500 infants in the U.K., Little et al. used multiple measures of folate status and detailed assessments of confounding factors and found no correlation between prevalence of orofacial cleft and dietary or supplemental folic acid. A slight correlation was found between the presence of folic acid antagonists and increased orofacial cleft incidence. Smoking and alcohol intake, use of medications, maternal age, medical history, reproductive history, and family history of clefts did not show any confounding effects.

It is possible that other factors correlating to dietary folic acid may play a role in orofacial cleft incidence, but this study found that higher folate intake did not prevent or reduce the occurrence of cleft palate or cleft lip.

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are the most frequently occurring birth defects in the United States, affecting nearly 7,000 children yearly, or 1 in every 600 newborns.
To read the entire study, visit: http://www.allenpress.com/pdf/cpcj-45-04-420-427.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/.

*Studies in Norway and California have reported a weak correlation in mothers who reported taking no supplements before becoming pregnant and then started taking supplements (Norway) or who ate fortified cereal (California) during the first three months of pregnancy. However, other studies show no change in orofacial cleft prevalence before and after the introduction of cereal fortification (Canada, Texas) or with/without use of supplements (2 large multistate US studies).

[Folate and Clefts of the Lip and Palate—U.K.-Based Case–Control Study: Part I: Dietary and Supplemental Folate; The Cleft Palate–Cranofacial Journal], 2008, Vol. 45(4):1–8.

Preventable lawn mower injuries can be devastating

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:24:00 +0000

Via UPI.com

U.S. medical societies say a child needs to be at least 12 years old to operate a lawn mower safely and at least 16 to operate a ride-on mower.

"Many children who sustain lawn mower injuries must undergo reconstructive surgery for months, sometimes years, after the initial accident," Dr. Richard D'Amico of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons said in a statement. "The look on parents' faces can be truly heart-wrenching. We are the physicians called to treat these devastating injuries, but (we) would do anything to prevent them in the first place."

Click here to read the full article.

Dr. Schwentker’s greatest creation

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:50:00 +0000

An encouraging story about a twin with microtia:
Via the Jacksonville News

In February of 2000, two healthy, happy, identical twin boys were born in Carrolton, Ga., to April and Todd Prater. However, it soon became obvious to Todd that, while the boys may be genetically identical, their facial features were different.
“They put the little beanie on them and what I noticed was it kind of looked like, with the hat on, it looked like maybe his ear had gotten folded down,” said Todd, who pulled the hat up, saw the ear was missing and called the nurses over.

Read the story here.

Unborn Amniotic Band Syndrome Baby Undergoes Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:16:00 +0000

Australian surgeons saved the leg of an unborn baby by operating when her mother was just 22 weeks pregnant.

In amniotic band syndrome, strands of the amniotic sac ensnare parts of the developing body, causing a variety of problems. These may include syndactyly, bands or constriction rings, amputations, swelling, or other deformities. There are several different names for this condition.

Just hearing the doctor say she'll have full function in that foot and basically be able to walk, I know I made the right decision
— Kylie Bowlen, mother

Read the whole article here:

Doctor sees more plagiocephaly, toticollis in babies

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:00:00 +0000

"I see it very commonly in my clinic," said Maples, a pediatric orthopedic specialist at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.

In fact, she has seen an increasing number of babies with plagiocephaly since 1992 when the American Academy of Pediatrics initiated its "back to sleep" campaign, urging parents to place newborns on their backs to avoid sudden infant death syndrome.

Maples said parents should continue following that advice, but they also should be aware that infants who spend too much time lying in one position can develop the misshapen skull characteristic of plagiocephaly. When awake, babies should be given more "tummy time," she said, allowing the skull to develop the more-typical symmetrical shape.

Read the rest here:

A great family story with Treacher Collins Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 21:42:00 +0000

Here's a video about a boy with Treacher Collins Syndrome- this was unique in that it involves the whole family- sibliings and parents- and their feelings.

Web helps families share medical updates

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:37:00 +0000

"Everybody wants to know what's going on, but you can't talk to everybody," Mrs. Harbert said. "It's a support group you can have in the privacy of your own home."

Read the entire article here.

Dr. Muzaffar featured in Columbia Business Times

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:33:00 +0000

Arshad Muzaffar, M.D., was recently named editor-in-chief of The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal. Muzaffar is the director of craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery at University of Missouri Health Care. He oversees diagnosis and treatment of several complicated craniofacial anomalies. As a bi-monthly international publication of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, the journal reports on the study and treatment of surgical procedures and the latest research related to this abnormality. One out of every 600 newborn babies is affected by a cleft lip or cleft palate, the fourth most common birth defect in the United States.

Read the whole story here:

Stereolithography helps rebuild wounded warrior's jaw

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:39:00 +0000

The lab's technicians first used images from CT scans to create a 3-D graphic. They then used 3-D sculpting tools and advanced modeling techniques to produce a mirror image the patient's mandible and created a corrected anatomical jaw. A computer-guided laser used the graphic to create an epoxy photopolymer resin model of how his jaw should look.

Read the entire story here:

FDA issues CellCept and Myfortic pregnancy alert

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:35:00 +0000

The FDA has issued an alert regarding the increased risk of first trimester spontaneous abortion and fetal congenital malformations with the use of CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil, from Roche) and Myfortic (mycophenolic acid, from Novartis). The FDA has received reports of infants born with microtia and cleft lip and palate, following CellCept exposure during pregnancy. In most cases, the mothers were taking CellCept following organ transplant to prevent organ rejection. However, some mothers taking CellCept were being treated for immune-mediated conditions. Prior to prescribing CellCept and Myfortic to women capable of becoming pregnant, clinicians should provide fetal risk information, counsel and instruction about contraception options, and confirm that the patient is not pregnant.

CellCept is approved to prevent heart, liver, and kidney transplant rejection and Myfortic is approved to prevent kidney transplant rejection.

For more information visit www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#MMF.

Via http://www.prescribingreference.com

Timing Improves Cleft Palate Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Mon, 26 May 2008 18:29:00 +0000

From ScienceDail.com

Research by Dr. Damir Matic, a scientist with Lawson Health Research Institute in London, Ontario is changing the way cleft palate surgeries are performed throughout North America and around the world. Matic has been conducting research to determine the optimal time to close the gum tissue of cleft palate patients. His research suggests that it is best to wait until the child is older.

Read the full article here

Family knows where economic stimulus money will go: child's surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:00:00 +0000

A cleft palate story from SalisuryPost.com

Uncle Sam is about to mail millions of Americans a special bonus, and Lee and Peggy Fisher know exactly what they'll buy first.

"We're buying a lip," Lee Fisher said this week as he and Peggy paused to talk to a reporter on Main Street in Salisbury.

Holly, the youngest of the Fishers' four children, was born with cleft palate. She's already had one corrective surgery, and the couple plan to spend their part of a $168 billion economic stimulus package on their co-pay for a second operation for Holly.

Read the whole story here.

Neosho family understands the importance of the support the Children's Miracle Network offers

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:53:00 +0000

A craniosynostosis story from the Neosho Daily News
“CMN helped us by providing us with gas money and gave us vouchers to stay at the Ronald McDonald House for free,” said Andrew. “We have also received help from CMN with our daughters medical expenses as well. Yszabehl was born with a cleft lip and had surgery when she a few months old to repair it. The surgeon who performed Ghabriel’s surgery is a cleft and craniofacial specialist. He looked at Yszabehl’s lip and saw that she needed some of the scar tissue removed that was a result of her surgery as a baby. He has performed two revision surgeries on Yszabehl and we have regular checkups in Kansas City for both Yszabehl and Ghabe. CMN has helped us with our travel expenses each trip.”

Read the whole story here.

'Mirrors don't lie' - Crooked features led to baby's diagnosis

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:48:00 +0000

A craniosynostosis surgery story from GJSentinal.com

Hindsight, they said, is perfect, but they should have trusted themselves because, “We knew something was wrong,” Denise LeSage said.

“Look in the mirror,” Sean LeSage said. “Mirrors don’t lie. As parents, we try to talk ourselves out of things being wrong.”

Read the story here.

Pharaoh explained: Expert to address meeting on ruler's odd appearance

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Sun, 04 May 2008 17:37:00 +0000

From the Baltimore Sun

Braverman believes Akhenaten's feminine characteristics were the result of familial gynecomastia caused by an inherited hormone imbalance known as aromatase excess syndrome. His misshapen head was the result of craniosynostosis, where the joints in the skull fuse at too early an age and interfere with healthy skull formation.

Read the rest of the article here:

Lynette Baker recognized with Excellence in Nursing Award

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:17:00 +0000

Our own Lynette Baker is being recognized for her outstanding effort.

Award winners were selected based on five categories: possessing nursing knowledge, having unique qualities, being a role model, being supportive and sensitive, and providing excellent patient care.

The award recipients will be recognized during a banquet at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at Peachtree Banquet and Catering Center in Columbia.

Dr. Muzaffar presents at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:42:00 +0000

From the Conference Booklet from the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association:

This free eye-opener will be given by members of the CPCJ Editorial Board. Editors from a variety of disciplines will discuss what constitutes a good scientific manuscript, what kind of manuscripts are accepted, and what is required by the CPCJ. Common problems in manuscript preparation and shortcomings of submitted manuscripts will also be described. The impact of the HIPAA regulations on publishing patient material will be explained. Handouts to illustrate some of the topics covered will be distributed to participants.

Parent-Implemented Program a Successful Early Intervention for Speech Impairment in Children with Cleft Palate

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:39:00 +0000

Press release from The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal:

A new study has explored the effectiveness of a parent-implemented program that works to stimulate the speech of children younger than three years old who have cleft lip and palate. The intervention resulted in speech gains for the children with clefts. The study is published in the latest issue of The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal.

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are the most frequent birth defects in the Unites States, affecting nearly 7,000 children yearly, or 1 in every 600 children born. The main questions from the study concerned whether parents could be trained to deliver an early intervention program for children with cleft palate and to what degree the program was effective.

The participants were ten mother-child pairs in which the child had CLP and ten mother-child pairs in which the children did not have cleft. The children ranged in age from 14 to 36 months.

The results of this study showed that the mothers could be trained to deliver the intervention reliably. Increased sound inventories, increased speech accuracy, and reduced use of glottal stops were found in the children with clefts. The speech gains did not exceed those made by the children without clefts. Still, the results of the study have implications for service delivery models in which the services of speech-language pathologists are limited.

To read the entire study, click here: http://allenpress.com/pdf/10.1597-06-085.pdf

The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal is the bimonthly journal of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. For more information, visit http://www.cpcjournal.org.

Facial Asymmetry Persists Despite Surgery To Correct Congenital Deformity

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 22:54:00 +0000

Via Science Daily:

"Adults and teens that underwent surgery as infants to correct a congenital condition that causes the forehead and face to appear uneven still have a degree of facial asymmetry years later, according to new research led by a Hasbro Children's Hospital surgeon."

Facial asymmetries in children can be a sign of other problems, such as craniosynostosis, that have not previously been diagnosed. Our Craniofacial Team can assess patients with facial asymmetries to determine the cause of the asymmetry and the potential treatment options. There are a number of craniofacial conditions associated with facial asymmetry, and children with such asymmetries should be evaluated by a craniofacial expert.

Seven score and two years later, Lincoln’s facial defects revealed

noreply@blogger.com (Pediatric Plastic Surgery) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:55:00 +0000

From the Columbia Missourian:

While delivering his most famous speech, Abraham Lincoln asserted that all men are created equal. But according to recent research, perhaps not all men, our nation’s 16th president included, were blessed with equal levels of health.
Our nation’s 16th president may have had some previously undiagnosed health conditions that Columbia doctors say could have been fixed had Lincoln lived a century later.

Read the article here: