CAPUT

SUCCEDANEUM
MENTOR
Dr. dr. Adrian Khu, Sp. OT, FICS

Presented by:
Maylia Lie (173307020004)
 Definition
• Caput succedaneum is a type of swelling around
the skull. Which can give an infant a “conehead”
appearance. Usually, it forms after a difficult
delivery. Particularly one involving a prolonged
labor, use of vacuum extractors or forceps, or
PROM
 Etiology of Caput Succedaneum

• A prolonged delivery with excessive pressure on the baby’s

head can cause swelling and bruising. Additionally, a caput
succedaneum is more likely to form in deliveries with the
following complications/characteristics:
• Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)
• Oligohydramnios (insufficient amniotic fluid)
• Vacuum extractors or forceps use
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Primiparous mother (first time giving birth)
 Symptoms of Caput Succedaneum

• Puffiness under the skin of the scalp (the most

prominent symptom)
• Bruising and/or color changes to the scalp
• Molding increase on the head
• Scalp swelling across the infant’s midline and
suture lines
 Tests and Diagnosis

• No formal testing is usually needed or performed to diagnose caput

succedaneum. Instead, a physician will perform a physical examination and
assess the symptoms to make a formal diagnosis.
 Treatment

• The condition almost always resolves itself within a few days. No treatment
is usually necessary. In fact, attempting to drain the scalp area may lead to
infections that will exacerbate the condition. However, since the brusing
caused by caput succedaneum may break down into the bilirubin, there is a
heightened risk of the baby developing jaundice. Jaundice, if treated, typically
won’t pose any problems. Yet, if left undiagnosed and untreated, may lead to
severe medical issues, including brain damage and in severe cases, infant
death
 Complications
• Halo scalp ring, a type of alopecia, may occur in infants with a caput
succedaneum. The hair loss develops as a result of tissue necrosis from
prolonged pressure against the ring of the cervical os during the birthing
process. In most cases, hair grows back over time, but scarring and hair loss
are sometimes permanent
 Prognosis

Untreated jaundice can lead to several long-term complications,

including Kernicterus, a form of brain damage that can be marked by:
• Athetoid cerebral palsy
• Hearing loss
• Poor tooth enamel development
• Permanent upward gaze