Head circumference trajectories during the first two years of life and cognitive development, emotional, and behavior problems in adolescence: a cohort study.

Abstract

Early-life HC trajectories were associated with adolescent cognitive development. HC may serve as an inexpensive screening tool to monitor child development at risk during the first 18months, particularly in resource-limited settings. • Postnatal head circumference (HC) has been shown to be associated with cognitive development in infants who were born premature and/or fetal growth restriction, while inconsistent associations were reported among generally healthy populations, especially in low- and middle- income countries, challenging its utility in public health practices. • Adolescents in the HC growth trajectory of consistently above average had higher cognitive scores compared to those with other suboptimal trajectories, whilenull findings were observed for adolescent emotional and behavioral health. • HC may serve as an inexpensive screening tool to monitor child development at risk during the first 18 months of life, particularly in resource-limited settings.