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Serial head circumference measurements should be used to classify congenital microcephaly
Chutima Sengasai1, Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit1,2, Nottasorn Plipat2
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2, Wanglang Road, Bangkok-Noi District, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
BMC Pediatrics
|September 27, 2023
Summary
Serial head circumference (HC) measurements in newborns are vital. Measuring HC on the third day of life (DOL3) improves accuracy in diagnosing microcephaly, especially for infants experiencing labor pains or small-for-gestational age.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Growth Monitoring
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Single head circumference (HC) measurements at birth may misclassify microcephaly.
- Neonatal head growth dynamics require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare newborn head circumference (HC) at birth versus the third day of life (DOL3).
- To identify maternal and infant factors associated with HC changes by DOL3.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 1131 newborns with HC measured at birth and DOL3.
- Utilized WHO and Fenton Growth Charts for interpretation.
- Paired sample t-test and regression analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in HC was observed by DOL3 (mean increase 0.17 cm).
- Newborns whose mothers experienced labor pains or were small-for-gestational age (SGA) showed significantly increased HC at DOL3.
- 25 out of 32 newborns with HC < P3 at birth had HC ≥ P3 at DOL3.
Conclusions:
- Serial HC measurements on DOL3 are crucial for accurate microcephaly classification.
- Early postnatal HC assessment refines diagnostic accuracy for neonatal head size.
