Birth Complications and Intrauterine Constraints in the Etiology of Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Nationwide Registry Study

NCT06901414 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: CMT Etiology
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 7,105
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This retrospective register-based cohort study investigates the association between birth complications, intrauterine crowding, and the development of congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). CMT is characterized by the shortening and tightening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, leading to abnormal head positioning. The study will analyze data from the Norwegian Medical Birth Registry (MFR) and the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR) to determine whether individuals with CMT have a higher prevalence of birth complications or signs of intrauterine crowding compared to the general population. By identifying risk factors associated with CMT, this study aims to identify the possible etiology of CMT.

Conditions

Congenital Muscular Torticollis

Keywords

Congenital muscular torticollis; Birth trauma; crowding; etiology; birth registry

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Use of vacuum, forceps extraction

  The use of vacuum extraction or forceps (operative deliveries), indicates birth complications. It has been hypothesized that such operative deliveries are associated with an increased incidence of congenital muscular torticollis. These variables are consistently registered in the Norwegian Birth Registry and have been made accessible to us from the Norwegian Helsedata.no registers.

  Data from the time period of 1990 to 2023.

Secondary Outcomes (7)

• Caesarean section

  1990-2023

• Breech position

  1990-2023

• Clavicle fracture

  1990-2023

• Macrosomic infants

  1990-2023

• Multiple gestations

  1990-2023

Study Arms (2)

CMT cases

Children identified in the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR) with the diagnosis of congenital muscular torticollis (ICD-10 Q68.0) born between 1990 and 2023

Matched control group

Consisting of individuals from the general population, matched in a 1:4 ratio based on birth year, sex, and gestational age at birth.

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

The study will include a cohort of individuals diagnosed with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) who have been diagnosed and/or undergone surgical treatment in Norway during the time period of 1990 to 2023. These cases will be identified from the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR) based on diagnosis and procedure codes. The control group will consist of individuals from the general population, matched in a 1:4 ratio based on birth year, sex, and gestational age at birth. The study will analyze perinatal and birth-related factors, such as mode of delivery, signs of birth trauma, and intrauterine conditions, using data from the Norwegian Medical Birth Registry (MFR).

You may qualify if:

• Individuals diagnosed with congenital muscular torticollis (ICD-10 code: Q68.0) and registered in the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR).
• Born in Norway after 1990
• Underwent surgical treatment for CMT (procedure codes NAL39/NAL69/NAL99).

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals with incomplete birth registry data in the MFR.
• Presence of congenital anomalies unrelated to CMT that could confound study outcomes.
• Cases with missing gestational age, birth weight, or delivery method.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Vestre Viken Hospital Trust: lead

Study Sites (1)

Vestre Viken HF

Drammen, 3004, Norway

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Congenital torticollis; Birth Injuries; Crowding

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities; Wounds and Injuries; Spatial Behavior; Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: OTHER
• Target Duration: 1 Day
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 22, 2025
• First Posted: March 28, 2025
• Study Start: November 26, 2024
• Primary Completion: November 26, 2024
• Study Completion: November 26, 2024
• Last Updated: April 3, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

NO (1)