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Biparietal diameter: an alternative measure of head growth in the low-birthweight infant
E Tirosh1, M A Weinger, A Berger
1Hannah Khoushy Child Development Centre, Haifa, Israel.
Insights
Biparietal diameter (BPD) is a reliable measure of infant head growth, correlating well with head circumference (HC). This method is particularly useful for sick premature infants when HC measurement is difficult.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric imaging
- Fetal development
Background:
- Accurate assessment of cranial growth is crucial for monitoring infant development.
- Head circumference (HC) is a standard measure, but can be challenging in certain clinical situations.
- Biparietal diameter (BPD) offers a potential alternative for cranial growth assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability and validity of biparietal diameter (BPD) measurements.
- To compare BPD with head circumference (HC) as an index of cranial growth.
- To explore factors influencing BPD growth rate in infants.
Main Methods:
- Assessed the correlation between BPD and HC measurements.
- Determined interobserver reliability for BPD measurements.
- Analyzed the effects of infant age and sex on BPD growth rate.
- Compared BPD growth rates in sick premature infants versus healthy controls.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between BPD and HC (r = 0.857, p < 0.0001).
- Interobserver reliability for BPD measurement was high at 92%.
- Infant age and sex independently affected BPD growth rate.
- Sick infants exhibited a lower BPD growth rate compared to healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- BPD is a reliable and valid index for assessing cranial growth in infants.
- BPD measurement is a feasible alternative to HC, especially in sick premature infants with encumbered heads.
- Growth rate variations in BPD highlight potential indicators of infant health status.
Abstract:
Reliability and validity of biparietal diameter (BPD) compared with head circumference (HC) measurement as an index of cranial growth was assessed. A significant correlation between BPD and HC (r = 0.857; p less than 0.0001) and an interobserver reliability of 92% were found. Infants' age and sex had independent effects on BPD growth rate. Very sick infants had a lower increase in BPD rate than healthy controls. It is suggested that in sick premature infants, when the head is encumbered by various types of apparatus, this technique might prove more feasible than HC measurement.