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Head circumference during infancy in a birth cohort of Sri Lankan children: are we using the correct chart?
P J Perera1, M P Fernando, R Samaranayake
1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. priyanthaprr@gmail.com.
Insights
Standard pediatric head circumference charts are inappropriate for Sri Lankan children. This study found significant deviations, highlighting the need for region-specific growth monitoring tools to ensure accurate infant health assessments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Health
- Growth Monitoring
Background:
- Head circumference measurement is a routine pediatric practice.
- Incorrect chart usage can lead to serious misinterpretations in child development assessment.
- Accurate growth monitoring is crucial for early identification of potential health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the appropriateness of existing head circumference charts for Sri Lankan children.
- To determine if current charts accurately reflect head growth patterns in the local population.
- To identify potential discrepancies in pediatric growth monitoring in Sri Lanka.
Main Methods:
- A follow-up study involving 250 children of each sex from a birth cohort.
- Head circumference measurements were taken at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age.
- Statistical analysis of head circumference data for each sex and age group was performed.
Main Results:
- 85-86% of the invited children (244 boys, 241 girls) completed the follow-up assessments.
- Significant deviations in head circumference were observed for both sexes at all measured ages.
- Existing charts showed a marked difference compared to the measured data.
Conclusions:
- Head circumference charts currently available in the Child Health Developmental Record (CHDR) are unsuitable for Sri Lankan children.
- The findings indicate a need for revised or new head circumference charts specific to the Sri Lankan population.
- Accurate growth charts are essential for reliable pediatric health assessments in the region.
Introduction:
Measuring head circumference and plotting it in centile charts is a routine practice in paediatrics. However if wrong charts are used, serious misinterpretations can ensue.
Objectives:
This study was carried out to ascertain the appropriateness of charts used in Sri Lanka. Out of a birth cohort of 2215 children, 250 from each sex were invited for a follow up study. Head circumference was measured at 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months. Statistical characteristics of head circumference for each sex, at each age were calculated.
Results:
At the first follow up 244 boys and 241 girls were assessed. Out of this, 85% of boys and 86% of girls completed the follow up.
Conclusions:
Head circumference of both sexes deviated significantly at all ages from the charts available in the Child Health Developmental Record (CHDR). Head circumference charts available in the CHDR are inappropriate for use in Sri Lankan children.
