Craniosynostosis: Epidemiology and Pattern at a Tertiary Referral Institute in Oman 2004 to 2023

Abstract

Objective

To date, there are no published studies From the Sultanate of Oman on the incidence or characteristics of craniosynostosis (CS). This is a population-based epidemiological study of the incidence of CS.

Methods

The prospective registry of the craniofacial surgery unit in Khoula Hospital was used to retrieve data on all individuals with CS treated between 2004 and 2023. The cohort was divided into four 5-year groups based on year of birth: 2004 to 2008, 2009 to 2013, 2014 to 2018, and 2019 to 2023.

Results

We identified 312 individuals with CS. The incidence increased significantly during the study period and was 2.5 per 10 000 live births in the last 5-year period. There was a male preponderance (male/female ratio 1.5:1). Our study findings reveal a notable diversity in the trend of suture involvement, we observed a higher frequency of complex CS within our study population 35.9%. Half of the study population was nonsyndromic, accounting for 51.6%. The nonsyndromic population exhibits a higher proportion of midline suture involvement.

Conclusions

The incidence of CS increased during the study period. The majority of cases were identified as nonsyndromic. We found that multiple sutures CS were the most prevalent overall in our population. It is imperative to intensify efforts aimed at raising awareness among the general population regarding these deformities.