Eric Scheier1, Alex Guri2, Uri Balla1. 1. Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel. 2. Pediatric Infectious Disease, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel.
Abstract
AIM: To identify all cases of subgaleal haematoma (SGH) as a result of non-abusive hair straightening or pulling without evidence of blunt trauma or coagulopathy. METHODS: We conducted a search in the English-language literature of all cases of SGH in children. We excluded those in neonates, those in which the child was abused by a caregiver, those in which blunt trauma was not excluded, and those in which a coagulopathy or other blood dyscrasia was found. RESULTS: Sixteen cases were identified in children from a range of ages. Time to presentation ranged from several days to a week and a half. In most cases, management is conservative, though SGH can cause fever, symptomatic anaemia and can threaten vision. CONCLUSION: Subgaleal haematoma can occur in otherwise healthy children, can accumulate slowly and can result in sequelae. However, most cases of SGH are managed conservatively.
AIM: To identify all cases of subgaleal haematoma (SGH) as a result of non-abusive hair straightening or pulling without evidence of blunt trauma or coagulopathy. METHODS: We conducted a search in the English-language literature of all cases of SGH in children. We excluded those in neonates, those in which the child was abused by a caregiver, those in which blunt trauma was not excluded, and those in which a coagulopathy or other blood dyscrasia was found. RESULTS: Sixteen cases were identified in children from a range of ages. Time to presentation ranged from several days to a week and a half. In most cases, management is conservative, though SGH can cause fever, symptomatic anaemia and can threaten vision. CONCLUSION: Subgaleal haematoma can occur in otherwise healthy children, can accumulate slowly and can result in sequelae. However, most cases of SGH are managed conservatively.