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Palpebral fissure length. In Chinese newborn infants. Comparison with other ethnic groups
Insights
This study measured palpebral fissure length in Chinese newborns. Chinese neonates have a shorter palpebral fissure length compared to Black American neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal research
- Ophthalmology
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Palpebral fissure length (PFL) is a key anthropometric measurement in neonates.
- Variations in PFL can be influenced by ethnicity and geographic factors.
- Understanding ethnic variations in PFL is crucial for neonatal assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the average palpebral fissure length (PFL) in normal Chinese term infants.
- To compare PFL in Chinese neonates with data from other ethnic groups.
Main Methods:
- Palpebral fissure length (PFL) was measured using a vernier caliper in 60 Chinese term infants within 48 hours of birth.
- Head circumference was also measured using a standard tape measure.
- Measurements were taken from medial to lateral canthus along the greatest horizontal axis of the eye.
Main Results:
- The average palpebral fissure length (PFL) was 1.94 ± 0.17 cm.
- The average head circumference was 34.0 ± 1.3 cm.
- No significant differences in PFL were observed between sexes or between the right and left eyes.
Conclusions:
- Chinese neonates exhibit a distinct palpebral fissure length (PFL) compared to other ethnic groups.
- Chinese neonates have a shorter PFL than Black American neonates.
- Chinese neonates have a longer PFL than White American and Turkish neonates.
Abstract:
The palpebral fissure length was measured in 60 normal Chinese term infants in the first 48 hours of life. The measurement of the palpebral fissure length was performed with a vernier caliper by placing it across the greatest horizontal axis of the eye from the medial to the lateral canthus. The head circumference was measured by placing a tape anteriorly just above the eyebrows and posteriorly at the maximum point of the occiput. There was no difference according to sex or between the measurements in the right and the left eye. The palpebral fissure length was 1.94 +/- 0.17 cm (mean +/- standard deviation (SD)) and the head circumference was 34.0 +/- 1.3 cm (mean +/- SD). These data suggest that Chinese neonates have a shorter palpebral fissure length than do black American neonates and a longer palpebral fissure length than do white American and Turkish neonates.