MEASUREMENT OF ANTERIOR FONTANEL IN TERM NEONATES IN RURAL HOSPITAL OF CENTRAL INDIA

Background: Head growth and anterior fontanel (AF) closure are passive processes in response to brain growth. The growth of the brain and skull starts in the third week of intrauterine gestation. Several factors, including gestational age (GA), gender, race and geographical area, contribute to variations in the size of the AF.

Objectives: To assess variations in AF size in newborn babies in rural India, with the aim of establishing baseline values.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on full-term newborns.AF size was measured in 469 healthy term newborn babies using the method proposed by Popich and Smith. Measurements were taken 48 hours after birth.

Results: Out of 469 neonates studied, 249 (53.1%) were males and 220 (46.9%) were females. The mean of AF (Anteroposterior) was 3.0885±0.84 cm., AF (Transverse) was 2.4328±0.57 cm. and AF (Average) was 2.7607±0.55 cm. Mean anteroposterior dimension was significantly higher than transverse dimension in both sexes (p<0.001). The average AF size in the Caesarean-section group was higher than delivered vaginally, but the difference was not statistically significant 2.80±0.56 versus 2.70±0.52, respectively; P>0.05). No statistical significant correlation were found between the mean size of average AF with weight, height and head circumference (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The mean AF size of 2.7607±0.55 cm obtained in this study is recommended for use in assessing full term Indian newborns. At term, AF size has no relationship to growth parameters as weight, length and head circumference.