Growth deficits and craniofacial dynamics in preschool children with microcephaly: A comprehensive study

This study aimed to examine physical and craniofacial growth patterns in preschool-aged children with microcephaly and evaluate their potential clinical significance.

A total of 130 children (76 boys, 54 girls) aged 1-5 years with microcephaly (head circumference <-3 standard deviations) were enrolled in this prospective study at a tertiary care hospital, with 130 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Nine craniofacial dimensions (head circumference, head length, head width, physiognomic facial length, morphological facial length, minimum frontal diameter, bizygomatic diameter, bigonial diameter, and total jaw height) were measured every six months using standardized techniques and instruments. Body weight and height were also recorded. Data analysis involved comparison of growth parameters using Mann-Whitney tests and correlation analysis to explore relationships between head circumference and other physical measurements.

Children with microcephaly exhibited significantly reduced body weight, height, and cranial dimensions compared to controls (p < 0.001). There was a higher incidence of underweight (36.69 %), stunted (40.89 %), and wasted (34.45 %) children within this group. The majority of microcephalic children had a brachycephalic head shape, with broad faces and wide foreheads. Facial measurements differed by sex: boys showed shorter physiognomic facial lengths, while girls had longer faces, suggesting sex-specific craniofacial trends in microcephaly. A significant correlation was found between head circumference and body dimensions, though jaw-related measurements were independent.

Children with microcephaly demonstrated considerable growth deficits and altered craniofacial development emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessments. The findings highlight the importance of early, targeted interventions to address the complex growth and developmental challenges in these children.