SUBGALEAL HEMATOMA - THE NEED FOR INCREASED AWARENESS OF RISK

Subgaleal hematoma, also known as subaponeurotic hemorrhage, is a seri ous complication of birth that is associated with vacuum-assisted deli very. Despite a high rate of mortality associated with subgaleal hemat oma, it has received relatively little attention in the medical litera ture. Lack of awareness may lead to delayed diagnosis and serious cons equences for infants. This paper is a report of six cases and a litera ture review. Prevention and early recognition and treatment of the con dition can occur only with increased practitioner awareness of this en tity.