Measurement of facial growth in the human fetus

The fetal face is clearly seen by ultrasonography: we considered measurement of certain orbitofacial parameters of interest in the human fetus in order to establish norms for facial development.

We included 108 "normal" fetuses ranging in age from 16.5 to 41 weeks of amenorrhea. The orbitofacial parameters studied were outer canthal distance, inner canthal distance, oropalpebral distance right side and left side, and palpebral fissure length side and left side. The ocular parameters studied were corneal horizontal diameter and axial length. The traditional anthropometric parameters of the fetus were determined by pathological examination: age, weight head circumference and height. A statistical study analyzed the different correlations and established linear regression equations for orbitofacial parameters as a function of age. Polynomial regression models were tested to the third degree as a function of age and the head circumference/II ratio.

Results are given in six different age groups. We find excellent correlation between the different parameters. Statistically valid linear regression equations were established for orbitofacial parameters. Polynomial regression equations were compared to linear equations their correlation coefficient and standard error, but showed no greater validity. Skull growth is more rapid than facial growth, which itself is more rapid vertically than horizontally.

This study establishes norms for the different orbitofacial parameters, in particular the oropalpebral distance, for which we found no bibliographic references. The general interest of these measures lies in the description of malformation syndromes.