Dinámica relacionada con la edad de parámetros antropométricos craneofaciales y su asociación con el tipo de oclusión dental en seres humanos de ambos géneros de: 17 a 24 años / Age-related dynamics of craniofacial anthropometric parameters and their association with the type of dental occlusion in humans of both genders aged 17­24 years

El propósito del estudio fue analizar la dinámica de los cambios relacionados con la edad de las estructuras craneofaciales de acuerdo con los parámetros antropométricos en hombres y mujeres de 17 a 24 años, y determinar la correlación, definida por análisis antropométrico, entre las formas de morfología craneofacial y los tipos de anomalías dento-maxilares. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un examen antropométrico de 851 individuos (418 hombres y 433 mujeres) de 17 a 24 años y la evaluación de 45 mediciones entre puntos de referencia de tejidos blandos. Además, se realizó una valoración odontológica general, que incluyó la clasificación de las anomalías dentomaxilares. Resultados: Se detectó que el ancho de la cabeza, el largo de la cabeza, así como el ancho de la mandíbula y el ancho morfológico facial en las hembras alcanzan valores máximos de crecimiento a la edad de 20 años. Además, se obtuvieron datos que indicaron la continuación del crecimiento de los parámetros antropométricos craneofaciales mencionados anteriormente en los hombres durante el período de transición de la adolescencia a la edad adulta. Conclusión: la mordida profunda distal es la anomalía dento-maxilar (DMAn) más común en hombres y mujeres bielorrusos de 17 a 24 años. Junto con esto, la frecuencia de ocurrencia de maloclusión de mordida profunda distal en individuos con morfología craneofacial dolicocefálica es mayor en hombres y mujeres en comparación con otras formas de morfología craneofacial. La mordida profunda distal se acompaña de la disminución de los parámetros antropométricos de la altura facial, en comparación con la mordida mesial y abierta en la que hay un aumento estadístico. Además, se observa una disminución estadística en el valor de la profundidad facial inferior en individuos diagnosticados con mordida distal, en comparación con individuos con mordida mesial y normal. Estos resultados obtenidos del análisis antropométrico podrían ser útiles en el diagnóstico de anomalías dentofaciales y dento-maxilares, y en la simulación de resultados de tratamiento estéticamente estables.

The purpose of the study was to analyze the dynamics of age-related changes of craniofacial structures according to anthropometric parameters in males and females aged 17­24 years, and to determine the correlation, defined by anthropometric analysis, between forms of craniofacial morphology and the type of dento-maxillary anomalies. Materials and Methods: An anthropometric examination of 851 individuals (418 males and 433 females) aged 17­24 years and the evaluation of 45 measurements between soft tissue landmarks was performed. In addition, general dental assessment was conducted, which included the classification of the dento-maxillary anomalies. Results: It was detected that the head width, head length, as well as the mandible width, and the morphological facial width in females reach growth peak values at the age of 20 years. Furthermore, data was obtained which indicated growth continuation of the stated above craniofacial anthropometric parameters in males during the transitional period from adolescence to adulthood. Conclusion: Distal deep bite is the most commonly prevailed dento-maxillary anomalies (DMAn) in Belarusian men and women aged 17­24 years. Along with this, the frequency of distal deep bite malocclusion occurrence in individuals with dolichocephalic craniofacial morphology is higher in men and women when compared to other forms of craniofacial morphology. Distal deep bite is accompanied by the decrease of facial height anthropometric parameters, when compared to mesial and open bite in which there is a statistical increase. Moreover, a statistical decrease in the value of the inferior facial depth is observed in individuals diagnosed with distal bite, when compared to individuals with mesial and normal bite. These obtained results from anthropometric analysis could be useful in diagnosis of dentofacial and dento-maxillary anomalies, and in the simulation of aesthetically stable treatment results

Latent cephalofacial structure of the albanian population of Kosovo / Estructura cefalofacial latente de la población albana de Kosovo

Anthropometric studies began as a methodology in biological anthropology for comparing of the anthropological features of the today's nations and previous nations too, as well as in screening and diagnosing of malnutrition. It is evident that a large number of studies have been performed on measures of body height, weight, trunk and limb dimensions, subcutaneous fatness and body composition, etc., but less attention has been paid to cephalofacial measurements. The purpose of this research was to study and explain the latent structure of the humans' cephalofacial variables.On 754 healthy entities (561 male entities and 193 female entities), aged 18-35 years, were measured 11 cephalofacial variables. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive parameters, Correlation analysis, and Factorial analyses. Correlation analysis confirms the existing of some variables' sets, which are characterized with the higher correlations between variables within the set. Through the principal component analysis of the Factor Analysis (rotation method direct obliging, Keiser criterion) were extracted four latent factors which explain 66.39 % of the total variance: Factor of intracranial capacity; Transversal factor of the face; Longitudinal factor of the face.Conclusion: The composition of the extracted factors was compatible with the scientific explanation of the anthropologists regarding the development of the head.

Los estudios antropométricos comenzaron como una metodología en antropología biológica para comparar las características antropológicas de las naciones modernas y también de las naciones en la antigüedad, así como para el cribado y diagnóstico de desnutrición. Se han realizado una gran cantidad de estudios sobre medidas de altura corporal, peso, dimensiones del tronco y las extremidades, grasa subcutánea y composición corporal, etc., pero se ha prestado menos atención a las medidas cefalofaciales. El propósito de esta investigación fue estudiar y explicar la estructura latente de las variables cefalofaciales de los humanos. Se midieron 11 variables cefalofaciales en 754 sujetos sanos (561 hombres y 193 mujeres), de 18 a 35 años. Los datos recolectados fueron analizados mediante parámetros descriptivos, análisis de correlación y análisis factoriales. El análisis de correlación confirma la existencia de algunos conjuntos de variables, que se caracterizan por tener las correlaciones más altas entre las variables dentro del conjunto. Mediante el análisis de componentes principales del Análisis Factorial se extrajeron cuatro factores latentes que explican el 66,39% de la varianza total: Factor de capacidad intracraneal; Factor transversal de la cara; Factor longitudinal del rostro. Conclusión: La composición de los factores extraídos fue compatible con la explicación científica de los antropólogos sobre el desarrollo de la cabeza.

El concepto de umbral craneofacial y su código de lectura ABC / The concept of craniofacial threshold and its ABC reading code

Durante el crecimiento y desarrollo de la cabeza, ésta lo hace en diferentes direcciones y proporciones, habiendo un límite entre la armonía /desarmonía conocido como umbral. Se hace referencia a este concepto, la forma de escribirlo y leerlo por medio de un código que lo simboliza. Objetivo: Poner al alcance de la comunidad médica un código de lectura e identificación de fenotipos craneofaciales sindrómicos y no sindrómicos. Conclusiones: Se considera que este concepto de umbral craneofacial y su código de lectura pueden ser usados en la enseñanza e investigación de la armonía-desarmonía durante el crecimiento y desarrollo de la cabeza, resultando ser de gran utilidad en la comprensión rápida y sencilla de la lectura del fenotipo craneofacial (AU)

During the growth and development of the head, it does so in different directions and proportions, there being a limit between the harmony / disharmony known as threshold. Reference is made to this concept, the way of writing it and reading it by means of a code that symbolizes it. Objective: To put within reach of the medical community, a code of reading and identification of syndromic and non-syndromic craniofacial phenotypes. Conclusions: It is considered that this concept of a craniofacial threshold and its reading code can be used in the teaching and research of harmony / disharmony during the growth and development of the head, being very useful in the quick and easy comprehension of the reading of the craniofacial phenotype (AU)

Breathing mode influence on craniofacial development and head posture / Influência do modo de respiração sobre o desenvolvimento craniofacial e a postura da cabeça

Abstract Objective The incidence of abnormal breathing and its consequences on craniofacial development is increasing, and is not limited to children with adenoid faces. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cephalometric differences in craniofacial structures and head posture between nasal breathing and oral breathing children and teenagers with a normal facial growth pattern. Method Ninety-eight 7-16 year-old patients with a normal facial growth pattern were clinically and radiographically evaluated. They were classified as either nasal breathing or oral breathing patients according to the predominant mode of breathing through clinical and historical evaluation, and breathing respiratory rate predomination as quantified by an airflow sensor. They were divided in two age groups (G1: 7-9) (G2: 10-16) to account for normal age-related facial growth. Results Oral breathing children (8.0 ± 0.7 years) showed less nasopharyngeal cross-sectional dimension (MPP) (p = 0.030), whereas other structures were similar to their nasal breathing counterparts (7.6 ± 0.9 years). However, oral breathing teenagers (12.3 ± 2.0 years) exhibited a greater palate length (ANS-PNS) (p = 0.049), a higher vertical dimension in the lower anterior face (Xi-ANS-Pm) (p = 0.015), and a lower position of the hyoid bone with respect to the mandibular plane (H-MP) (p = 0.017) than their nasal breathing counterparts (12.5 ± 1.9 years). No statistically significant differences were found in head posture. Conclusion Even in individuals with a normal facial growth pattern, when compared with nasal breathing individuals, oral breathing children present differences in airway dimensions. Among adolescents, these dissimilarities include structures in the facial development and hyoid bone position.

Resumo Objetivo A incidência da respiração anormal e de suas consequências no desenvolvimento craniofacial aumenta e não é limitada a crianças com fácies adenoideanas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as diferenças cefalométricas nas estruturas craniofaciais e na postura da cabeça entre crianças e adolescentes com respiração nasal e respiração bucal com padrão de crescimento facial normal. Método 98 pacientes com idades entre 7-16 anos com padrão de crescimento facial normal foram avaliados de forma clínica e radiológica. Eles foram classificados como pacientes com respiração nasal ou respiração bucal de acordo com a predominância do modo de respiração por meio da avaliação clínica e histórica e da predominância da frequência respiratória conforme qualificado por um sensor de fluxo de ar. Os pacientes foram divididos em duas faixas etárias (G1: 7 a 9) (G2: 10 a 16) para contabilizar o crescimento normal facial relacionado à idade. Resultados As crianças com respiração bucal (8,0 ± 0,7 anos) mostraram menor dimensão transversal nasofaríngea (MPP) (p = 0,030), ao passo que outras estruturas foram semelhantes a seus pares com respiração nasal (7,6 ± 0,9 anos). Contudo, os adolescentes com respiração bucal (12,3 ± 2,0 anos) mostraram maior comprimento do palato (espinha nasal anterior-espinha nasal posterior [ENA-ENP]) (p = 0,049), maior dimensão vertical na menor face anterior (Xi-ENA-Pm) (p = 0,015) e menor posição do osso hioide a respeito do plano mandibular (H-PM) (p = 0,017) do que seus pares com respiração nasal (12,5 ± 1,9 anos). Não foram constatadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na postura da cabeça. Conclusão Mesmo em indivíduos com padrão de crescimento facial normal, em comparação com indivíduos com respiração nasal, as crianças com respiração bucal apresentam diferenças nas dimensões das vias aéreas. Entre os adolescentes, essas dissimilaridades incluem estruturas no desenvolvimento facial e na posição do osso hioide.

Influence of head and linear growth on the development of malocclusion at six years of age: a cohort study

Abstract The aim of this article was to evaluate the influence of biological and sociobehavioral factors on the development of malocclusions in children. This is a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort of 350 children who participated in a community intervention study. After six years, an active search identified 290 children with occlusal abnormalities. Socioeconomic status, linear growth, and nutritional status of the child at birth and at the time of measurement, as well as dietary and sucking habits, were investigated. Malocclusions were evaluated across three spatial planes - anteroposterior, vertical, and transverse. The prevalence of these anomalies was 64.5%, primarily in the anteroposterior plane. The logistic regression analysis revealed that pacifier use for 60 months or more, stunting as measured at age six, and reduced gain in head circumference from birth to six years of age, were significantly associated with the development of malocclusion in childhood. Head circumference and linear growth are associated with occlusal anomalies in infants, independent of pacifier sucking.

Tipo facial e postura de cabeça de crianças respiradoras nasais e orais / Facial type and head posture of nasal and mouth-breathing children

OBJETIVO: Verificar o tipo facial e a postura de cabeça de crianças respiradoras nasais, e respiradoras orais de etiologia obstrutiva e viciosa, e correlacionar o índice morfológico da face à angulação da postura da cabeça no plano sagital. MÉTODOS: Participaram 59 crianças com idades entre 8 anos e 11 anos e 10 meses. Todas passaram por triagem fonoaudiológica, avaliação otorrinolaringológica, e exame de nasofibrofaringoscopia, o que possibilitou a constituição de três grupos: com respiração nasal - 15 crianças; com respiração oral obstrutiva - 22 crianças; e com respiração oral viciosa - 22 crianças. Foram mensuradas a altura e a largura da face com paquímetro digital, para determinação do índice e do tipo facial. A postura da cabeça foi avaliada por meio de exame físico e fotogrametria computadorizada. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se predomínio de face curta nos respiradores nasais e de face longa nos respiradores orais. Houve associação entre tipo facial e modo respiratório/etiologia da respiração oral, o tipo braquifacial foi mais frequente nos respiradores nasais e menos frequente nos respiradores orais de etiologia obstrutiva. As crianças dos três grupos apresentaram postura de cabeça semelhante. Não foi verificada correlação entre índice morfológico da face e a postura da cabeça. CONCLUSÃO: O tipo braquifacial favorece o modo respiratório nasal e que a postura da cabeça não é influenciada pelo modo respiratório e etiologia da respiração oral, assim como não está relacionada ao tipo facial.

PURPOSE: To verify the facial type and the head posture of nasal and mouth-breathing children from habitual and obstructive etiologies, as well as to correlate the morphological facial index to the head angulation position in the sagittal plane. METHODS: Participants were59 children with ages between 8 years and 11 years and 10 months. All subjects were undergone to speech-language pathology screening, otorhynolaryngologic evaluation, and nasopharyngoscopy, allowing the constitution of three groups: nasal breathers - 15 children; mouth breathers from obstructive etiology - 22 children; and habitual mouth breathers - 22 children. In order to determine facial type and morphological facial index, the height and the width of the face were measured using a digital caliper. The head posture was assessed through physical examination and computerized photogrammetry. RESULTS: It was verified the predominance of short face in nasal breathers, and long face in mouth breathers. There was an association among facial type and breathing mode/mouth breathing etiology: the brachyfacial type was more frequent among nasal breathers, and less frequent in subjects with obstructive nasal breathing. Head posture was similar in all three groups. No correlation was found between morphological facial index and head posture. CONCLUSION: The brachyfacial type favors the nasal-breathing mode and the head posture is not influenced by breathing mode and by the etiology of mouth breathing, as well as it is not related to facial type.

Semiología neonatal / Neonatal semiology

Un buen resultado perinatal significa la terminación del embarazo con un recién nacido sano. Este resultado depende de una salud materna preconcepcional optima, un buen cuidado durante el embarazo, una adecuada atención en el momento del nacimiento y el cuidado neonatal con las mejores prácticas validadas en la medicina basada en la evidencia. El período neonatal comprende desde el momento del nacimiento hasta los 28 días de edad. El período neonatal temprano incluye los primeros siete días, y el período neonatal tardío,de los siete a los 28 días postnatales. Uno de los primeros pasos al abordar un neonato es identificar los factores de riesgo antes del parto, durante el nacimiento (parto) y los asociados con morbilidad neonatal especifica.

Agood perinatal outcome means the termination of pregnancy with a healthy newborn. This result depends on an optimal preconception maternal health, proper care during pregnancy, proper care at birth and neonatal care with validated best practices in evidence-based medicine. The neonatal period extends from the time of birth to 28 days old. The early neonatal period includes the first seven days, and the late neonatal period, seven to 28 days postnatal. One of the first steps in dealing with a newborn is to identify risk factors before birth, during birth and associated with specific neonatal morbidity.

Head morphology and degree of variation in lacerta bilineata: podarcis muralis and podarcis sicula / Morfología de la cabeza y el grado de variación en lacerta bilineata: podarcis muralis y podarcis sicula

The morphology of cephalic scales in Lacertids is organised in well defined geometrical structures. The variation of these elements is related to the underlying bone growth and morphogenesis, but it is also associated with the muscular system and the sutural dynamics. In this paper, the patterns of variation of the cephalic scales have been compared between three common Mediterranean species: Podarcis muralis, Podarcis sicula and Lacerta bilineata. The morphospace generated by the morphological relationships within the cephalic system in these three species is investigated in order to consider their degree of variation and their anatomical peculiarities. Generally, Lacerta is 64 percent larger than Podarcis, shows a relative reduction of the frontal scale, enlarged fronto-parietal structures, and stretched occipital area. L. bilineata shows the smaller degree of variation within the shape space, while P. muralis shows the highest values. The morphology of the two genera is definitely different mostly because of allometric variation. Non-allometric distinctions between the three species are subtle but detectable. The degree and pattern of variation are interpreted in terms of possible environmental pressures and of functional cranial dynamics associated with the fronto-parietal suture, respectively. In this sense, the structural relationships between bones and scales are of particular interest to further investigate ontogeny and phylogeny in reptiles.

La morfología de las escamas cefálicas en Lacértidos se organiza en estructuras geométricas bien definidas. La variación de estos elementos está relacionada con el crecimiento y la morfogénesis del hueso subyacente, pero está también es asociada con el sistema muscular y sutural dinámico. En este trabajo, son comparados los patrones de variación de las escamas cefálicas de tres especies mediterráneas comunes: Podarcis muralis, Podarcis sicula y Lacerta bilineata. El morfoespacio generado por las relaciones morfológicas con el sistema cefálico en estas tres especies se investigó con el fin de examinar su grado de variación y sus peculiaridades anatómicas. En general, Lacerta es 64 por ciento más grande que Podarcis, muestra una reducción relativa de la escama frontal, alargamiento de la estructura fronto-parietal, y estrechamiento del área occipital. L. bilineata muestra el menor grado de variación en la forma del espacio, mientras que P. muralis muestra los valores más altos. La morfología de los dos géneros es diferente principalmente debido a variaciones alométricas. Diferencias no alométricas entre las tres especies son sutiles pero detectables. El grado y el patrón de variación son interpretados en términos de las posibles presiones del medio ambiente y la dinámica funcional craneal asociada a la sutura fronto-parietal, respectivamente. En este sentido, las relaciones estructurales entre los huesos y las escamas son de particular interés para seguir investigando ontogenia y filogenia de los reptiles.

Influence of intrauterine and extrauterine growth on neurodevelopmental outcome of monozygotic twins

There have been indications that intrauterine and early extrauterine growth can influence childhood mental and motor function. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of intrauterine growth restriction and early extrauterine head growth on the neurodevelopmental outcome of monozygotic twins. Thirty-six monozygous twin pairs were evaluated at the corrected age of 12 to 42 months. Intrauterine growth restriction was quantified using the fetal growth ratio. The effects of birth weight ratio, head circumference at birth and current head circumference on mental and motor outcomes were estimated using mixed-effect linear regression models. Separate estimates of the between (interpair) and within (intrapair) effects of each measure on development were thus obtained. Neurodevelopment was assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 2nd edition, by a psychologist blind to the exposure. A standardized neurological examination was performed by a neuropediatrician who was unaware of the exposures under investigation. After adjustment, birth weight ratio and head circumference at birth were not associated with motor or mental outcomes. Current head circumference was associated with mental but not with motor outcomes. Only the intrapair twin effect was significant. An increase of 1 cm in current head circumference of one twin compared with the other was associated with 3.2 points higher in Mental Developmental Index (95 percentCI = 1.06-5.32; P < 0.03). Thus, no effect of intrauterine growth was found on cognition and only postnatal head growth was associated with cognition. This effect was not shared by the co-twin.

A mixed longitudinal study of physical growth in children with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing disorder associated with significant morbidity. Growth retardation is known to occur in children affected with atopic dermatitis. However, there is not enough Indian data for this disorder. AIMS: We conducted a longitudinal study to look for the effect of atopic dermatitis on growth attainment of Indian preschool children. METHODS: The growth patterns of 62 children, aged 3-5 years and suffering from atopic dermatitis were studied in terms of body weight, height and head circumference. Sixty-eight normal healthy children matched for age, sex and socioeconomic status were taken as controls. Every child was followed up at intervals of three months following a mixed longitudinal study design for the duration of one year. Severity of the disease was determined by the scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index. RESULTS: Growth velocities were lower in patients than in controls. Mean changes in body weight of patients of both sexes showed close similarity to controls. Mean values for height and head circumference were found to be significantly lower in girls than in the girls of the control group at majority of the age levels. In contrast, in boys, these values for the patients remained comparable or higher than in the boys of the control group at some of the ages. Girls had comparatively more severe disease than boys and they had lower values than boys for all the growth parameters assessed. CONCLUSION: Growth retardation was observed among children with a more severe form of the disease. Height of the affected children was compromised mostly, though a tendency for catch-up growth was observed. Severe forms of atopic dermatitis may impair a child's linear growth temporarily.

Velocidade de crescimento de recém-nascidos pré-termo adequados para a idade gestacional / Growth velocity of preterm appropriate for gestational age newborns

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a velocidade de crescimento de recém-nascidos pré-termo adequados para a idade gestacional através da construção de curvas. METODOLOGIA: Estudo longitudinal realizado em duas maternidades públicas de Belo Horizonte. Avaliou-se peso, perímetro cefálico e comprimento, semanalmente, em 260 recém-nascidos pré-termo adequados para a idade gestacional, com peso ao nascer menor que 2.500 g. Construíram-se curvas de velocidade a partir da derivada da equação matemática do modelo de Count, aplicado ao crescimento somático. Utilizaram-se duas análises de velocidade: absoluta, ou seja, a taxa de ganho de peso (g/dia), perímetro cefálico e comprimento (cm/semana); e a relativa, ou seja, a taxa de ganho de peso (g/kg/dia), perímetro cefálico e comprimento (cm/m/semana). RESULTADOS: As curvas de ganho de peso (g/dia) foram proporcionais ao peso de nascimento (os de menor peso ganharam 15,9, e os de maior, 30,1 g/dia na terceira semana). As curvas de ganho de peso (g/kg/dia) foram inversamente proporcionais ao peso de nascimento, com aumento das taxas entre a primeira e quarta semana (os de menor peso alcançaram, na terceira semana, 18, e os de maior, 11,5 g/kg/dia). A partir de então, houve diminuição gradativa, e na 12a semana ocorreu uma confluência das curvas, traduzindo taxas de ganho de peso muito próximas (7,5 a 10,2 g/kg/dia). As curvas de velocidade relativa (cm/m/semana) de perímetro cefálico e comprimento foram inversamente proporcionais ao peso de nascimento; os recém-nascidos de menor peso apresentam maior taxa de incremento dessas variáveis. CONCLUSAO: As curvas de velocidade relativa descrevem melhor a dinâmica de crescimento dos recém-nascidos pré-termo, principalmente para os de menores pesos, que incorporam maior ganho de peso, perímetro cefálico e comprimento.

Adecuado uso del perímetro cefálico de lactantes en sus controles de salud / Adequate use of head circumference measurement in infants during health controls

Introducción: La evaluación del perímetro cefálico (PC) constituye una valiosa herramienta que alerta sobre alteraciones del desarrollo del lactante. Objetivo: Conocer la situación de medición del PC en los controles de salud. Método: Revisión retrospectiva de todos los registros de PC en los controles de niños de 18 a 24 meses de edad, de julio de 2002 a la fecha, atendidos en dos centros de salud de Colina, consignando el PC, el diagnóstico y las indicaciones y reclasificándolo (NCHS) para diagnóstico comparativo. Resultados: Se revisaron 424 controles de salud contenidos en 58 fichas, de los cuales 85,3% tenían registro del PC. De ellos el 17.7% tenía consignado el diagnóstico. Al clasificar nuevamente los diagnósticos encontrados según las curvas del NCHS, se encontró que 14% de los registros correspondía a un PC fuera del rango normal y no tenía diagnóstico registrado, el único caso en que se registró diagnóstico de alteración del PC no se registró la conducta tomada. Un 92.2% de los diagnósticos fueron catalogados concordante con el equipo investigador. Conclusiones: La medición del PC se realiza en la mayoría de los controles, pero no conduce a un diagnóstico y manejo terapeutico. Falta reforzar la importancia y utilidad de esta herramienta antropométrica para una adecuada pesquisa diagnóstica y una derivación oportuna a especialista.

Prematuridade como possível fator influenciador do controle da cabeça / Prematurity as possible influence factor on the postural control of the head

Um controle postural estável constitui a base para a organização e execução voluntária do movimento. Este é exteriorizado através da emergência de habilidades motoras como, por exemplo, o controle da cabeça. Partos prematuros são eventos patológicos e gram muitos riscos para a criança, pois o desenvolvimento rápido e íntegro do seu sistema nervoso central, resposável pela motricidade voluntária, pode ser comprometido. O objetivo desse estudo foi comparar o controle de cabeça entre as crianças pré-termo e a termo. Para tal, analisou-se vídeo-registros de cinco crianças pré-termo e cinco a termo, aos dois e quatro meses de idade, incluídas em um Programa de Acompanhamento do desenvolvimento Motor em crianças pré-termo, do departamento de Fisioterapia do Hospital Universitário do Norte do Paraná, da Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Foram avaliados os itens relacionados com a aquisição do controle de cabeça da avaliação Gross Motor Fuction Measurement (GMFM). Através dessa análise, observou-se uma diferença de pontuação entre o grupo das crianças pré-termo e a termo. No entanto, estes valores não foram significativos ao serem analisados estatísticamente pelo teste t de stuedent. Por meio dos resultados obtidos neste estudo, pode-se sugerir que a prematuridade não é um fator influenciador do controle de cabeça final e que apesar de um ligeiro atraso do desenvolvimento da aquisição do controle de cabeça das crianças pré-termo, ao final dos quatro meses de idade, ambos os grupos apresentavam pontuações similares...

Physical growth and mental development of normal head circumference: Egyptian infants in a normal population

The relationship between head circumference [HC] and physical growth and mental development has been investigated by many scientists. They studied the circumference of the head of children at different ages and compared it to their physical growth, developmental and intellectual outcome, school achievement, and behavior. Our study was carried out in an Egyptian village. Infants were followed up for HC, weight, and length from birth to six months of age. The infants were also tested for developmental outcome using mental developmental index [MDI] of Bayley scales for Infants Development at the age of six months. Statistical analysis of the data collected showed no association between HC at birth, HC at 6 months of age, or velocity of head growth during the first six months of age and any of MDI, weight, or length at 6 months of age

Usefulness of calf circumference as a measure for screening low birth weight infants.

Usefulness of calf circumference (CC) for screening low birth weight (LBW) was assessed in comparison with other anthropometric measurements, crown heel and crown rump lengths (CHL, CRL), Chest (Ch C), head (HC) and arm (AC) circumferences in 256 infants within 24 hours of birth. Calf circumference showed highest degree of correlation (r = 0.83) with birth weight followed by arm and chest circumference and crown heel length. Step down multiple linear regression analysis of birth weight showed highest R2 value with combination of calf, arm and crown heel length (82.1%). Addition of other measurements did not improve the predictive value of the model. Sensitivity of these parameters in screening LBW infants (less than 2500 g) showed 95.7% critical limit for calf followed by 82.6% with arm circumference and 72.5% with crown heel length. False positive responses were similar (18-20%) with all the three parameters. Calf circumference being highly sensitive and easy to measure, is useful in screening most of the low birth weight infants in the communities where weighing scales are not available or cannot be used by peripheral workers.