Head Circumference Measurements Research Articles

Measurement of Head Circumference Using a Smartphone: Feasibility Cohort Study.

Accurate head circumference (HC) measurement is essential when assessing neonates and infants. Tape measure HC measurements are prone to errors, particularly when performed by parents/guardians, due to individual differences in head shape, hair style and texture, subject cooperation, and examiner techniques, including tape measure placement and tautness. There is, therefore, the need for a more reliable method. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the validity, reliability, and consistency of HC app measurement compared to the current standard of practice, serving as a proof-of-concept for use by health care professionals. We recruited infants attending the neurosurgery clinic, and parents/guardians were approached and consented to participate in the study. Along with the standard head circumference measurement, measurements were taken with the head circumference app (HC app) developed in-house, and we also collected baseline medical history and characteristics. For the statistical analysis, we used RStudio (version 4.1.1). In summary, we analyzed covariance and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to compare the measurement's within-rater and interrater reliability. The F test was used to analyze the variance between measurements and the Bland-Altman agreement, t test, and correlation coefficients were used to compare the tape measurement to the measures taken by the HC app. We also used nonvalidated questionnaires to explore parental or guardians' experiences, assess their views on app utility, and collect feedback. The total number of recruited patients was 37. Comparison between the app measurements and the measurements with a tape measure showed poor reliability (ICC=0.177) and wide within-app variations (ICC=0.341). The agreement between the measurements done by parents/guardians and the tape measurements done by the researcher was good (ICC=0.901). Parental/guardian feedback was overall very positive, with most of the parents/guardians reporting that the app was easy to use (n=31, 84%) and that they are happy to use the app in an unsupervised setting, provided that they are assured of the measurement quality. We developed this project as a proof-of-concept study, and as such, the app has shown great potential to be used both in a clinical setting and by parents/guardians in their own homes.

The investigation of serum phenylalanine levels based on infant feeding method: a cross-sectional study of children less than two years old with phenylketonuria (PKU)

BackgroundClinical advice may suggest discontinuing breastfeeding after the diagnosis of phenylketonuria in infants as the only effective way to monitor the newborn's intake and accurate measurement of phenylalanine (Phe). This study aims to investigate the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding, as well as its effect on serum Phe levels in infants with phenylketonuria at Education and Therapy Medical Center, Be'sat Hospital, Iran.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 34 children under two years old diagnosed with phenylketonuria between September 2018 and December 2022. Infants were categorized as breastfed and non-breastfed (bottle-fed) based on their feeding method after diagnosis. Data on age at diagnosis, medical records, demographic information, and anthropometric indices were collected, and infants with incomplete data or mixed feeding (formula + breast milk) were excluded from the study.ResultsOf 94 infants managed in our hospital, 34 had complete medical records. Among the all patients 13 (38%) continued to be breastfed combined with phenylalanine-free amino acid-based protein substitute, while 21 (62%) were did not receive breast milk. The mean duration of breastfeeding was 2.57 ± 0.59 (1–3) months. The mean age at diagnosis was 22.6 ± 18.4 days. Phenylalanine concentrations at diagnosis were mean 10, SD 5.44; range 4–24 mg/dL [0.22–1.33 μmol/L] in the breastfed group and mean 14.3, SD 10.2; range 5–37 mg/dL [0.27–2.05 μmol/L] in the non-breastfed group.Non-breastfed infants had lower serum Phe levels than breastfed infants: mean 3.76, SD 2.10; range 1–7 mg/dL [0.05–0.38 μmol/L] and mean 4.89, SD 3.68; range 2–19 mg/dL [0.11–1.05 μmol/L], respectively, although not statistically significant [(t (34) = 118.0, P = 0.51]. Also we found no significant associations in body measurements for weight, height, and head circumference at birth and final assessment.ConclusionsIn conclusion, during treatment, there were no statistically significant associations between breastfeeding and serum Phe levels with growth in children with phenylketonuria.

Fetal Medicine Foundation charts for fetal growth in twins.

To derive reference distributions of estimated fetal weight (EFW) in twins relative to singletons. Gestational-age- and chorionicity-specific reference distributions for singleton percentiles and EFW were fitted to data on 4391 twin pregnancies with two liveborn fetuses from four European centers, including 3323 dichorionic (DC) and 1068 monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies. Gestational age was derived using the larger of the two crown-rump length measurements obtained during the first trimester of pregnancy. EFW was obtained from ultrasound measurements of head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length using the Hadlock formula. Singleton percentiles were obtained using the Fetal Medicine Foundation population weight charts for singleton pregnancies. Hierarchical models were fitted to singleton Z-scores with autoregressive terms for serial correlations within the same fetus and between twins from the same pregnancy. Separate models were fitted for DC and MCDA twins. Fetuses from twin pregnancies tended to be smaller than singletons at the earliest gestational ages (16 weeks for MCDA and 20 weeks for DC twins). This was followed by a period of catch-up growth until around 24 weeks. After that, both DC and MCDA twins showed reduced growth. In DC twins, the EFW corresponding to the 50th percentile was at the 50th percentile of singleton pregnancies at 23 weeks, the 43rd percentile at 28 weeks, the 32nd percentile at 32 weeks and the 22nd percentile at 36 weeks. In MCDA twins, the EFW corresponding to the 50th percentile was at the 36th percentile of singleton pregnancies at 24 weeks, the 29th percentile at 28 weeks, the 19th percentile at 32 weeks and the 12th percentile at 36 weeks. In DC and, to a greater extent, MCDA twin pregnancies, fetal growth is reduced compared with that observed in singleton pregnancies. Furthermore, after 24 weeks, the divergence in growth trajectories between twin and singleton pregnancies becomes more pronounced as gestational age increases. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Head Circumference Measurements Based on Nutritional Status of Hospitalized Children

Head Circumference Measurements Based on Nutritional Status of Hospitalized Children

Crecimiento y desarrollo puberal en niñas adoptadas de Rusia: seguimiento de 12 años

Introduction: the objectives were to provide longitudinal data on growth and determine the age of thelarche and menarche in girls adopted from Russia. Material and methods: prospective cohort study in 24 girls from Russia adopted in Spain in the 2002-2010 period, who were followed up for 12 years. The history of adverse childhood experiences was collected by reviewing pre-adoption medical records. We recorded standardised measurements of weight, height and head circumference and the age at thelarche and menarche. The mean values were compared with reference standards. Results: Salient history: preterm birth (33.3%), low birth weight (41.7%), prenatal alcohol exposure (45.8%), abuse and neglect (54.2%). Initial evaluation: mean age, 3 years (standard deviation [SD] 1.6) years; weight z-score (z), −1.35; height z, −2.42; head circumference z −1.77. One year after adoption, there was significant catch-up growth in weight (z +0.68), height (z +0.98), and head circumference (z +0.76). Temporal trends in growth: no weight delay from age 7 years; height continued to recover until age 10 (z −0.40) and remained stable until age 15 (z −0.46); the delay was greater compared to weight at every timepoint. The mean age at onset of thelarche was 9.9 years (SD 0.8) with a height of 135.4 cm (z −0.43). The mean age at menarche was 11.9 years (SD 0.7) years, with a height of 147.6 cm (z −0.44). Conclusions: the pattern of growth and development was characterized by severe delay in linear growth and a moderate delay in weight and head circumference at the time of adoption, rapid, significant and prolonged catch-up growth, acceleration of pubertal development with early thelarche and menarche and an incomplete recovery of linear growth.

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Head Circumference in children under 5 years of age attending a public clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that is increasing in prevalence globally. There is an emerging field of research investigating the association between head circumference and ASD but there is a marked paucity of such data from Southern Africa. Aim: To describe the head circumference (HC) measurement of children diagnosed with ASD and to investigate associations between HC, ASD severity levels and associated comorbidities. Methods: A retrospective record review of children diagnosed with ASD attending a neurodevelopmental clinic at a large public hospital in South Africa was conducted. Demographic data and HC measurements from the first clinic visit were collected. The World Health Organization data set of head circumference norms were used as the comparator reference population. Statistical analysis was conducted using parametric, descriptive and inferential methods. Results: Data from 135 children diagnosed with ASD were included. The sample population had a mean age of 43 months (range 13-61 months) and 107 (79%) were males. Thirty (22.2%) patients in the cohort had a HC which was classified as macrocephalic. Almost half (46.7%) had an ASD severity level of three and 94 (69.6%), had been diagnosed with a comorbidity. In this study no significant association was found between macrocephaly and ASD severity. Conclusions: Measuring the HC during childhood is a cost-effective, simple and non-invasive procedure that may well assist professionals in raising suspicion of ASD at an early age. Early detection and intervention could optimise participation and integration for the individual living with this life-long neurodevelopmental disability.

Neck strength alone does not mitigate adverse associations of soccer heading with cognitive performance in adult amateur players.

Soccer heading is adversely associated with neurocognitive performance, but whether greater neck strength or anthropometrics mitigates these outcomes is controversial. Here, we examine the effect of neck strength or anthropometrics on associations of soccer heading with neurocognitive outcomes in a large cohort of adult amateur players. 380 adult amateur league soccer players underwent standardized measurement of neck strength (forward flexion, extension, left lateral flexion, right lateral flexion) and head/neck anthropometric measures (head circumference, neck length, neck circumference and neck volume). Participants were assessed for heading (HeadCount) and cognitive performance (Cogstate) on up to 7 visits over a period of two years. Principal components analysis (PCA) was performed on 8 neck strength and anthropometric measures. We used generalized estimating equations to test the moderation effect of each of the three PCs on 8 previously identified adverse associations of 2-week and 12-month heading estimates with cognitive performance (psychomotor speed, immediate verbal recall, verbal episodic memory, attention, working memory) and of unintentional head impacts on moderate to severe central nervous system symptoms. 3 principal components (PC's) account for 80% of the variance in the PCA. In men, PC1 represents head/neck anthropometric measures, PC2 represents neck strength measures, and PC3 represents the flexor/extensor (F/E) ratio. In women, PC1 represents neck strength, PC2 represents anthropometrics, and PC3 represents the F/E ratio. Of the 48 moderation effects tested, only one showed statistical significance after Bonferroni correction, which was not robust to extensive sensitivity analyses. Neither neck strength nor anthropometrics mitigate adverse associations of soccer heading with cognitive performance in adult amateur players.

Neonatal outcomes of patients with vaginal delivery after a Caesarean section

Purpose: The rates of caesarean section (CS) have been increasing in recent years in Türkiye and throughout the world. A previous CS is known to not be an absolute indication for repeat CS, and vaginal delivery (VD) (trial of labor after caesarean (TOLAC)) can occur after a CS. The aim of this study was to investigate the neonatal outcomes of TOLAC patients in Konya City Hospital.
 Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was made of the records of all the births in Konya City Hospital between 10 August 2020 and 10 June 2022. The study included all patients with full or nearly complete cervical dilation-effacement and who had a previous CS. These patients were compared with patients who had elective CS and VD. A total of 119 patients were included in the study in 3 groups; TOLAC n:32, CS n:42, VD n:45.
 Results: TOLAC patients gave birth earlier and the infant birth weight (2991.25gr), length (50.66cm) and head circumference (34.09cm) measurements were found to be significantly lower than those of the other groups. The development of any problem (icterus, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), oxygen requirement, hypoglycemia, hypothermia) was determined at a significantly higher rate in the TOLAC (21.9%).
 Conclusion: Patients with a history of CS do not have to have a repeat CS. TOLAC can be performed in appropriate cases, but care should be taken against uterine rupture, the need for emergency CS, and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of the “Simultaneous Measurement of Infants’ Weight, Height, Head Circumference, Temperature, and Heart Rate Digital Device”

Background: The measurement of various components of infant growth is not only essential for monitoring infant health but is also associated with the well-being of infants and their parents, the use of human resources, frequent repositioning of infants, and a considerable amount of time. Objectives: Therefore, the present study aimed to design and evaluate a device for the “simultaneous measurement of infants’ weight, height, head circumference, temperature, and heart rate”. Methods: This study follows a quantitative and semi-experimental approach. The “simultaneous measurement of weight, height, head circumference, temperature, and heart rate of a child” device was officially registered as an invention with the number 104232 on May 18, 2021. The sample for this study comprised 100 infants selected from hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The data related to all 100 infants were collected and recorded using both routine measurement methods and digital devices. Data collection tools included the Wong-Baker Faces scale to assess infant distress and a demographic questionnaire for recording growth components and the time of measurement. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software (version 20), and statistical significance was determined using the t-test (P < 0.05). Results: The comparison of mean distress scores in both the control and intervention groups revealed a significant reduction in infant distress scores during all measurements except for weight (P < 0.05). It is worth noting that the number of infant repositions required for each measurement was reduced from 6 in the routine method to 2 with the digital device. Additionally, although 2 or 3 staff members were needed for measurements in the control group, only 1 staff member was sufficient for measurements in the intervention group. Discussion: Based on the evaluation results of the digital device, it is anticipated that this device could serve as a suitable alternative to the routine methods of measuring infant growth components. However, further studies are warranted to explore the broader applications of this digital device.

Comparison of Effect of Human Milk Fortification with Preterm Formula Powder Vs Human Milk Fortification with Human Milk Fortifier on the Growth of Very Low Birth Weight Newborns

Aim: The primary aim of this scientific inquiry was to comprehensively assess how the nourishment of Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) newborns could be improved by supplementing their diet with either human milk fortifier or preterm formula powder. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out at RTEH Muzaffargarh NICU, which involved the participation of 72 preterm infants weighing between 1.2 kg and 1.6 kg at birth. The infants were randomly allocated into two groups: one received human milk fortified with preterm formula powder. In contrast, the other group received human milk fortified with a human milk fortifier. Throughout the study, weight, length, and head circumference measurements were taken for all participants. Results: There were no significant differences in gestational ages between HMF and preterm formula groups (p=0.057), nor in gender distribution (p=0.369 for males). Post-intervention, Group A experienced significant increases in birth weight (p=0.0021) and head circumference (p=0.004), but not in length. In the control group, changes in weight, head circumference, and length did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Human milk fortification with preterm formula powder appears to promote similar or even better growth outcomes in VLBW infants when compared to traditional fortification with human milk fortifier. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and assess any potential long-term impacts. Keywords: Human Milk Fortification, Preterm Formula Powder, Very Low Birth Weight Infants, Growth Outcomes, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Pelatihan Penilaian Tumbuh Kembang Balita pada Guru PAUD dan Kader Posyandu di Desa Samuti Krueng Kabupaten Bireuen

Stunting is still a problem in Bireuen Regency. The most dominant impact of stunting is the disruption of physical growth, lack of cognitive abilities, and weak immunity of a child. There are various methods of stimulation and early detection of toddler growth and development that can be done to help children grow and develop optimally, namely screening tests which include weight measurement, head circumference measurement, developmental pre-screening questionnaire (KPSP) and mental-emotional problem deviations. Posyandu cadres have an important role because they are the ones who are close to the posyandu target activities and have more face-to-face frequency than other health workers. The Toddler Growth and Development Assessment and Monitoring Training activities were carried out from 7 to 12 August 2023 in Samuti Krueng Village with a total of 14 participants, consisting of PAUD Teachers and Toddler Posyandu Cadres. The method used was through theoretical and practical exposure. The activity went as expected. Participants were very enthusiastic in participating in the training which was carried out in theory and practice. There was an increase in the participants' post test results with the highest average score of 9.5 out of a maximum score of 15.

Fetal macrocephaly: Pathophysiology, prenatal diagnosis and management.

Macrocephaly means a large head and is defined as a head circumference (HC) above the 98th percentile or greater than +2SD above the mean for gestational age. Macrocephaly can be primary and due to increased brain tissue (megalocephaly), which in most cases is familial and benign or secondary. The latter may be due to various causes, including but not limited to communicating or non-communicating hydrocephalus, cerebral edema, focal and pericerebral increased fluid collections, thickened calvarium and brain tumors. Megalocephaly can be syndromic or non-syndromic. In the former, gyral and structural CNS anomalies are common. It is important to exercise caution when considering a diagnosis of megalocephaly due to limitations in the accuracy of HC measurement, lack of nomograms for specific populations, inconsistencies between prenatal and postnatal HC growth curves and progression over time. The degree of macrocephaly is important, with mild macrocephaly ≤2.5SD carrying a good prognosis, especially when one of the parents has macrocephaly and normal development. Cases in which the patient history and/or physical exam are positive or when parental HC are normal are more worrisome and warrant a neurosonogram, fetal MRI and genetic testing to better delineate the underlying etiology and provide appropriate counseling.

Effectiveness of infant massage on babies growth, mother-baby attachment and mothers' self-confidence: A randomized controlled trial

Infant massage is a unique massage that can be application to babies in the postpartum period for centuries. While baby massage provides contact between the baby and the mother, it supports the growth processes of the baby. This study aimed to investigate the effects of online infant massage training on infant growth, mother-infant attachment, and mothers’ self-confidence. This randomized controlled clinical trial included 60 healthy-term infants and mother. The Demographic Data Collection Form, Maternal Attachment Scale, and Pharis Self-Confidence Scale were completed by all the mothers participating in the study. At the end of the 4th week, infant massage training was given to the mothers of the babies in the massage group by the primary investigator. Body weight, height, and head circumference measurements were made at the end of the 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th week of both group babies. At the end of the 20th week, the self-confidence of the mothers in both groups was assessed using the Maternal Attachment Scale and Pharis Self-Confidence Scale. Infants in the massage group had significantly higher mean body weight at the end of the 8th week (p = 0.006) and mean height at the end of 20th week (p = 0.05) than the infants in the control group. The Maternal Attachment Scale values were higher for the mothers in the massage group (p = 0.030). Infant massage is an effective method that strengthens maternal attachment and increases body weight and height in infants. The study is registered under the ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT05302427

Exacerbated Zika virus-induced neuropathology and microcephaly in fetuses of dengue-immune nonhuman primates.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that can vertically transmit from mother to fetus, potentially causing congenital defects, including microcephaly. It is not fully understood why some fetuses experience severe complications after in utero exposure to ZIKV, whereas others do not. Given the antigenic similarity between ZIKV and the closely related virus dengue (DENV) and the potential of DENV-specific antibodies to enhance ZIKV disease severity in mice, we questioned whether maternal DENV immunity could influence fetal outcomes in a nonhuman primate model of ZIKV vertical transmission. We found significantly increased severity of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in fetuses of DENV-immune cynomolgus macaques infected with ZIKV in early pregnancy compared with naïve controls, which occurred despite no effect on maternal ZIKV infection or antibody responses. Ultrasound measurements of head circumference and biparietal diameter measurements taken sequentially throughout pregnancy demonstrated CZS in fetuses of DENV-immune pregnant macaques. Furthermore, severe CZS enhanced by DENV immunity was typified by reduced cortical thickness and increased frequency of neuronal death, hemorrhaging, cellular infiltrations, calcifications, and lissencephaly in fetal brains. This study shows that maternal immunity to DENV can worsen ZIKV neurological outcomes in fetal primates, and it provides an animal model of vertical transmission closely approximating human developmental timelines that could be used to investigate severe ZIKV disease outcomes and interventions in fetuses.

A Rare Case of Monogenic Obesity due to a Novel Variant in the ADCY3 Gene: Challenges in Follow-up and Treatment.

Adenylate cyclase 3 (ADCY3) gene alterations have been found to be associated with obesity. However, few patients with homozygous mutations have been reported so far, and the follow-up procedure and treatment options have not been clarified. A 10-month-old female presented with increased appetite and weight gain. She was born from a consanguineous marriage. Weight, height, head circumference measurements and standard deviation scores (SDS) were 19 kg (+6.98 SDS), 82 cm (+3.53 SDS), and 49 cm (+3.07 SDS), respectively. Laboratory tests revealed a fasting glucose level of 103 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L), insulin level of 25.39 µIU/mL, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) value of 6.43. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a novel, homozygous c.1102G>A(p.Asp368Asn) variant in ADCY3. Her parents and healthy sister were heterozygous for the variant. At the age of 2.5 years, neurodevelopmental delay was observed. At the age of 3.5 years, the patient's weight, height, and body mass index values were 49.5 kg (+8.16 SDS), 111 cm (+2.59 SDS), and 40.18 kg/m2 (+6.48 SDS), respectively. Signs of Blount's disease and acanthosis nigricans were distinctive, and she had hyperphagia. She was undergoing speech therapy. Homozygous ADCY3 variants may present with early onset, severe obesity, insulin resistance, and neurodevelopmental delay in children. Severe complications may occur even at young ages. More data regarding the follow-up process and treatment of these patients are needed.

Audit of antenatal and delivery care at a midwife obstetric unit, South Africa

Background: Poor qualities of antenatal and intrapartum care are associated with poor maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Audit of care is an essential tool to identify gaps for standard protocols and guidelines that can assist with evidence based intervention to ensure consistent quality of care during antenatal and delivery.
 Objectives: To measure the compliance on the specific antenatal and delivery care indicators based on national guidelines.
 Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted of women who had childbirths between January and June 2021 in a midwife obstetric unit. Descriptive statistics were used to describe continuous and categorical variables. Both the mean and standard deviation (SD) were calculated for continuous and proportions for categorical variables.
 Results; The mean age and gestational age of the sample were 26 years and 16 weeks respectively. Teenage pregnancy constituted 13.5%. Most of the antenatal and delivery care indicators had good compliance (> 95%). However, gaps were identified for: recording of Last Menstrual Period (78.5%), syphilis treatment at antenatal booking (72.7%), repeat syphilis test at 32 weeks (43.4%) and completion of basic antenatal care checklist (46.3%) during antenatal care. Lower rate for delivery care indicators were: recording of measurement of length and head circumference of the neonates (76.5%) and use of pain relief (5.4%) to mothers at delivery. The outcome indicators measured were good as Low Birth Weight, delivery complications and neonatal death rates were 11.6%, 10.7% and 1.4% respectively. 
 Conclusions: Though the study found good compliance with antenatal and delivery care provided but the few basic indicators such as basic antenatal checklist, completion of syphilis treatment and use of pain relief were poor. These results are vital for a quality improvement programme including training of midwives on basic antenatal care including maternity care guidelines in PHC facilities. A multi-centre study is also recommended for further study.

Growth reference charts for children with hypochondroplasia.

Hypochondroplasia (HCH) is a rare skeletal dysplasia causing mild short stature. There is a paucity of growth reference charts for this population. Anthropometric data were collected to generate height, weight, and head circumference (HC) growth reference charts for children with a diagnosis of HCH. Mixed longitudinal anthropometric data and genetic analysis results were collected from 14 European specialized skeletal dysplasia centers. Growth charts were generated using Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape. Measurements for height (983), weight (896), and HC (389) were collected from 188 (79 female) children with a diagnosis of HCH aged 0-18 years. Of the 84 children who underwent genetic testing, a pathogenic variant in FGFR3 was identified in 92% (77). The data were used to generate growth references for height, weight, and HC, plotted as charts with seven centiles from 2nd to 98th, for ages 0-4 and 0-16 years. HCH-specific growth charts are important in the clinical care of these children. They help to identify if other comorbidities are present that affect growth and development and serve as an important benchmark for any prospective interventional research studies and trials.

Ratios of head circumference to ventricular size vary over time and predict eventual need for CSF diversion in intraventricular hemorrhage of prematurity.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) of prematurity can lead to hydrocephalus, sometimes necessitating permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. We sought to characterize the relationship between head circumference (HC) and ventricular size in IVH over time to evaluate the clinical utility of serial HC measurements as a metric in determining the need for CSF diversion. We included preterm infants with IVH born between January 2000 and May 2020. Three measures of ventricular size were obtained: ventricular index (VI), Evan's ratio (ER), and frontal occipital head ratio (FOHR). The Pearson correlations (r) between the initial (at birth) paired measurements of HC and ventricular size were reported. Multivariable longitudinal regression models were fit to examine the HC:ventricle size ratio, adjusting for the age of the infant, IVH grade (I/II vs. III/IV), need for CSF diversion, and sex. A total of 639 patients with an average gestational age of 27.5weeks were included. IVH grade I/II and grade III/IV patients had a positive correlation between initial HC and VI (r = 0.47, p < 0.001 and r = 0.48, p < 0.001, respectively). In our longitudinal models, patients with a low-grade IVH (I/II) had an HC:VI ratio 0.52 higher than those with a high-grade IVH (p-value < 0.001). Patients with low-grade IVH had an HC:ER ratio 12.94 higher than those with high-grade IVH (p-value < 0.001). Patients with low-grade IVH had a HC:FOHR ratio 12.91 higher than those with high-grade IVH (p-value < 0.001). Infants who did not require CSF diversion had an HC:VI ratio 0.47 higher than those who eventually did (p < 0.001). Infants without CSF diversion had an HC:ER ratio 16.53 higher than those who received CSF diversion (p < 0.001). Infants without CSF diversion had an HC:FOHR ratio 15.45 higher than those who received CSF diversion (95% CI (11.34, 19.56), p < 0.001). There is a significant difference in the ratio of HC:VI, HC:ER, and HC:FOHR size between patients with high-grade IVH and low-grade IVH. Likewise, there is a significant difference in HC:VI, HC:ER, and HC:FOHR between those who did and did not have CSF diversion. The routine assessments of both head circumference and ventricle size by ultrasound are important clinical tools in infants with IVH of prematurity.

THU221 Measurements Of Head Circumference During Developmental Monitoring Visits Before Diagnosis Of Pediatric Craniopharyngioma

Abstract Disclosure: J. Beckhaus: None. S. Boekhoff: None. L. Krieger: None. J. Peng: None. C. Friedrich: None. H.L. Muller: None. Craniopharyngiomas (CP) are congenital, benign, embryonic malformations which arise from ectoblastic remnants of Rathke’s pouch and are located in the (supra-)sellar region. Many patients show a reduced growth rate and an increased BMI early before the diagnosis of CP. However, it is unknown whether patients with CP present with increased head circumference before diagnosis. A cohort of 83 patients was screened for medical records of their developmental monitoring visits. We observed, that CP patients with hypothalamic involvement of their tumor tend to have an increased head circumference SDS before CP diagnosis. When comparing head circumference SDS before diagnosis at defined time points between birth and four years of age, all head circumferences were in the upper normal range. However, no statistically noticeable differences were found between hypothalamic involvement and no hypothalamic involvement of the tumor. Congenital embryonic malformations such as CP located in the parasellar area can have impact on cerebrospinal fluid circulation and lead higher head circumferences due to hydrocephalus early before diagnosis. Our results show, that head circumference SDS could be an effective early-indicator for CP. A standardized procedure for head circumference measurements during developmental monitoring visits should be implemented in clinical care. We anticipate that our study is the starting point for prospective studies with larger sample size to assess the potential predictive value of head circumference measurements for an early CP diagnosis. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Measurement of head circumference, head length, head width, intercanthal distance, ear length, and distribution of low-set ear in a healthy newborn population of West Bengal

Background: Anthropometry is a process of systemic measurement of the human body and its different parts. A reference dataset of craniofacial measurements of a particular geographic area and particular age group is useful for reconstructive surgery of the face, orthodontic research, criminal and racial identification, assessment of the nutritional status of children and diagnosing dysmorphogenesis conditions. Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted to obtain the measurements of craniofacial parameters, including head length, head width, head circumference, intercanthal distance, ear length, and ear position in normal- and low-birth-weight (BW) healthy newborn babies to prepare a dataset of these parameters. Another objective was to find out if there were statistically significant differences in the above parameters between male and female newborn population in normal- and low-BW (LBW) newborn groups. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the nursery, department of Pediatrics, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal (Eastern India), on 1571 healthy newborn babies (1-2 days old). Results: We obtained the range and mean value of all the parameters in newborn. No statistically significant sexual dimorphism was observed. The most common head shape was mesocephalic (45%). Low-set ear was found in 0.043–0.057% of cases, and no statistically significant difference was observed between normal and LBW newborn population regarding the distribution of low-set ear. Most of the craniofacial parameters had statistically significantly higher values in normal BW babies than in the low-birth-weight group. Conclusion: These data sets can be used by clinicians, and researchers as a reference for the newborn population of West Bengal.