Craniofacial anthropometric measurements in a population of normal Jordanian newborns

Anthropometric measurements provide quantitative values for qualitative descriptions, thus playing an important role in the evaluation of individuals with dysmorphic features for the identification of patterns of dysmorphism. Normative standard values and curves are needed for the meaningful interpretation of individual measurements. The available normative standards vary mainly due to differences in the populations studied. We obtained 13 different craniofacial anthropometric measurements on 158 newborns from Jordan within the first 24 hours of birth. We excluded few newborns for selected measurements based on preset exclusion criteria. We calculated means and standard deviations and constructed standard curves for each measurement. We here present the clinicians in our country, and the surrounding countries as well, with a set of reference values and curves and a guide to be used in the evaluation of newborns with dysmorphism.