A Review Of Referral Patterns For Sagittal Synostosis In Ireland: 2008-2013

• Published in: Irish medical journal Vol. 111; no. 1; p. 671
• Main Authors: Berney, M J, McGillivary, A, Caird, J, Murray, D J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland 10-01-2018
• Subjects: Age Factors; Child; Child, Preschool; Craniosynostoses - surgery; General Practitioners - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Infant; Ireland; Neonatologists - statistics & numerical data; Pediatricians - statistics & numerical data; Referral and Consultation - statistics & numerical data; Retrospective Studies; Ireland
• ISSN: 0332-3102

Sagittal synostosis (SS) is the commonest form of craniosynostosis. Children with sagittal synostosis in Ireland are treated in the National Paediatric Craniofacial Centre (NPCC) in Temple Street Children's University Hospital. This retrospective study analysed the correlation between referral patterns to the unit and age at operation. The notes of 81 patients referred over a 5-year period (April 2008 - April 2013) to the NPCC with non-syndromic SS were reviewed and demographics and referral information were recorded. Of 81 patients reviewed, 60 (74%) were referred before 6 months of age, while 21 (26%) had late referrals. Neonatologists referred 100% of infants before 6 months, paediatricians referred 71%, and GPs 64%. Later referral was associated with a more complex referral pathway, including multiple-steps of referral and unnecessary investigations. Improved clinician knowledge and emphasis on the importance of early referral may lead to a reduction in late referrals.