Caput succedaneum is swelling of the scalp in a newborn. It is most often brought on by pressure from the uterus or vaginal wall during a head-first (vertex) delivery.
Alternative NamesCaput
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsA caput succedaneum is more likely to form during a prolonged or difficult delivery. This is especially true after the membranes have ruptured, because the amniotic sac is no longer providing a protective cushion for the baby's head. Vacuum extraction can also increase the chances of a caput succedaneum.
A caput succedaneum is sometimes identified by prenatal ultrasound even before labor or delivery begins. It has been found as early as 31 weeks of pregnancy. More often than not, this is associated with either premature rupture of the membranes or too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios). All other things being equal, the longer the membranes are intact, the less likely it is that a caput will form.
SymptomsA physical examination will confirm that the swelling is a caput succedaneum. No testing is necessary.
TreatmentNo treatment is necessary, and it usually heals spontaneously within a few days.
Expectations (prognosis)Complete recovery can be expected, with the scalp regaining its normal contour.
ComplicationsJaundice can result as the bruise breaks down into bilirubin.
Calling your health care providerThis condition is usually noticed immediately after delivery of the child, so no call is necessary -- unless you have additional questions.
ReferencesMangurten HH. Birth Injuries. In: Fanaroff AA, Martin RJ, eds. Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: Diseases of the Fetus and Infant. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006: chap 27.
Caput succedaneum is swelling of the scalp in a newborn. It is most often brought on by pressure from the uterus or vaginal wall during a head-first (vertex) delivery.
Alternative NamesCaput
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsA caput succedaneum is more likely to form during a prolonged or difficult delivery. This is especially true after the membranes have ruptured, because the amniotic sac is no longer providing a protective cushion for the baby's head. Vacuum extraction can also increase the chances of a caput succedaneum.
A caput succedaneum is sometimes identified by prenatal ultrasound even before labor or delivery begins. It has been found as early as 31 weeks of pregnancy. More often than not, this is associated with either premature rupture of the membranes or too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios). All other things being equal, the longer the membranes are intact, the less likely it is that a caput will form.
SymptomsA physical examination will confirm that the swelling is a caput succedaneum. No testing is necessary.
TreatmentNo treatment is necessary, and it usually heals spontaneously within a few days.
Expectations (prognosis)Complete recovery can be expected, with the scalp regaining its normal contour.
ComplicationsComplications may include:
Calling your health care providerThis condition is usually noticed immediately after delivery of the child, so no call is necessary -- unless you have additional questions.
ReferencesMangurten HH. Birth Injuries. In: Fanaroff AA, Martin RJ, eds. Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: Diseases of the Fetus and Infant. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 06/28/2011
Kimberly G Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
No. Caput means head.
"Caput" is Latin for "head." It is used in medical terminology to refer to the top or beginning of a structure, such as the head of a bone or the beginning of a nerve.
Tillandsia caput-medusae was created in 1880.
Louis Caput died on 1985-02-08.
Louis Caput was born on 1923-01-23.
Caput selectum is Latin for the chosen head or chosen (elected) leader.
Caput Nili = the source of the Nile. (I.e.; the true origin of a thing).
broken
all three do Lateral Head (caput laterale) Long Head (caput longum) Medial Head (caput medial)
The Latin word caput refers to "head" in English language.
Caput.
Capitate