Study of relationship between facial index and gestational age in normal newborns

Anthropometric dimensions are the basis of evaluation of health of newborns. Results of cephalometric studies can be used in forensic medicine, plastic surgery, pediatrics, oral surgery, dentistry, otolaryngology and syndromology. Three hundred sixty appropriate for gestational age newborns belonging to the region in and around Patiala were the subjects of the present study. The gestational age varied from 29 to 41 weeks. Face length and face width were measured and facial index was calculated. The overall mean face length and mean face width were 5.17 cm and 6.42 cm respectively. Facial index ranged from 79.3 - 81.4% with mean facial index being 80.5%. Facial index increased with increasing gestational age. Gestational age has negative correlation with face length and face width but positively significant correlation was observed between gestational age and facial index. Facial length and facial width were jointly determined. All inter-relationships improved remarkably when determined for gestational age groups. These findings have significant implication as gestational age linearly influenced facial index. In addition they provide database from 29th to 41st week of gestation and can be used as baseline for further anthropometric studies to specify the role of heredity and environment.