Use of a Midliner Positioning System for Prevention of Dolichocephaly in Preterm Infants

Pediatr Phys Ther. 2018 Apr;30(2):126-134. doi: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000000487.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine effectiveness of a midliner positioning system (MPS, Tortle Midliner) for preventing dolichocephaly.

Methods: This was a nonrandomized, prospective study of 30 premature infants (study cohort, SC) using an MPS compared with a retrospective study cohort (RSC) of 65 infants who received standard of care intervention.

Results: RSC baseline cranial index (CI) of 80% and final CI of 77% significantly decreased over an average 5.5 weeks (P < .0001). The SC baseline CI and the final CI were both 79% over an average 5.7 weeks, indicating no significant difference between CI measures (P = .6). Gestational age, birth weight, reflux, time on continuous positive airway pressure, and time in a supine position were not associated with dolichocephaly.

Conclusions: The SC developed less cranial molding (ie, had greater CI), compared with the RSC. A larger randomized study is needed to recommend routine use of MPS for prevention and/or treatment of cranial molding in premature infants.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Birth Weight
  • Craniosynostoses / rehabilitation*
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / rehabilitation*
  • Male
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Posture / physiology*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Respiration, Artificial
  • Retrospective Studies