Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Hippocampal Neurons from Prenatal Mice
Published on: July 26, 2012
Prenatal small head circumference: Which biomarkers best predict microcephaly?
A Fournier1, S Dahan2, L Hermitte3
1Pediatric Neurology Department, La Timone, APHM, Aix Marseille University, France.
Objectives:
Prenatal ultrasound detection of a small head circumference (US-SHC) is a key indicator of microcephaly. This retrospective study (2015-2024) aimed to determine the incidence of SHC at birth (b-SHC) and microcephaly at 6 months, and to identify prenatal biomarkers.
Methods:
We included 55 fetuses with us-SHC and median postnatal follow-up of 28 months (range: 7-112).
Results:
Among the 47 fetuses with available outcomes, b-SHC was confirmed in 31 (66%), while persistent microcephaly at 6 months was observed in 16 of 34 (47%) liveborns. Fetal brain MRI, particularly cerebral biparietal and occipitofrontal diameters below the third percentile, accurately predicted b-SHC, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 83% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 82% but were less effective for persistent microcephaly (PPV 53%, NPV 75%). Prenatal deceleration in HC growth was a key predictor of both b-SHC (OR = 13.86, p = 0.028) and persistent microcephaly (OR = 13.00, p = 0.025). A genetic etiology was identified in 44% (7/16) of infants with confirmed microcephaly; chromosomal microarray had a 12% (5/43) diagnostic yield.
Conclusions:
Prenatal us-SHC predicted postnatal microcephaly in nearly half of cases. Prenatal HC growth deceleration emerged as a biomarker of persistent microcephaly.
Related Concept Videos
Predicting Molecular Geometry
Muscles that Move the Head
The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...
Prediction Intervals
However, the point estimate is most likely not the exact value of the population parameter, but close to it. After calculating point estimates, we construct interval estimates, called confidence intervals or prediction intervals. This prediction interval comprises a range of values unlike the point estimate and is a better predictor of the observed sample value, y.
End Point Prediction: Gran Plot
For potentiometric titration, the Gran plot is created by plotting...
Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predicted Value
Sensitivity is the...
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...

