Re: AAP Guidelines?

[Guest guest]

Hi Cris,

Yes, you are correct - the quote came from proposed guidelines which

have not yet been accepted to my knowledge.

The actual, current AAP Plagiocephaly Treatment guidelines are from

July 2003, and can be found here:

http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;112/1/199?fullt\

ext=plagiocephaly & searchid=QID_NOT_SET

Language in this AAP Policy is not nearly as straight foreward as the

proposed guidelines, but here are some snippets you may find applicable:

" Skull molding helmets are an option for patients with severe

deformity or skull shape that is refractory to therapeutic physical

adjustments and position changes. "

" If there is progression or lack of improvement of the skull deformity

after a trial of mechanical adjustments, then referral to a pediatric

neurosurgeon, a general neurosurgeon with expertise in pediatrics, or

a craniofacial surgeon or craniofacial anomalies team should be

considered. The purpose of this referral is to obtain the expertise of

the pediatric surgical specialist on whether the correct diagnosis has

been made and to direct the subsequent management, which may include

molding helmets or surgery. "

" The best response for helmets occurs in the age range of 4 to 12

months because of the greater malleability of the young infant skull

bone and the normalizing effect of the rapid growth of the brain.

There is less modification of the cranial configuration when used

after 12 months of age. The use of helmets and other related devices

seems to be beneficial primarily when there has been a lack of

response to mechanical adjustments and exercises. "

I hope this helps!

Take care,

Christie (Mom to Repo'd Remy)

>

> I am putting the finishing touches on my appeal to UHC. One of the

> points I am making is about the AAP Guidelines - " for children 5-18

> months of age, orthotic cranioplasty is required. "

>

> This quote came from an article from Nov 2003 called

> AAP: New Guidelines for Treatment of Deformational Plagiocephaly are

> Proposed.

>

> So, my question is, I have proof that these guidelines were PROPOSED,

> but were they ever accepted and agreed upon? If so, where are the

> actual (not proposed) guidelines? I'd like something to send in

> writing as an attachment with my letter.

>

> Thanks in advance for your help! If anyone can send me the link to

> the guidelines or email a PDF, that would be terrific!

>

> Cris in Houston

> Mom to - 7.5 months

> Doc Band 5/26/06

>