Anterior fontanel size in hilly and non-hilly newborns in and around the district of Darjeeling.

ABSTRACT

The sizes of the anterior fontanel were measured for 110 hilly and 130 non-hilly newborns in and around the District of Darjeeling to observe for any significant difference. The mean size of the anterior fontanel for the hilly newborns was 3.35 +/- 1.07 cm and for the non-hilly newborns was 3.80 +/- 1.95 cm. There was a significant difference (p less than 0.05) between the hilly and non-hilly races. Percentile grids for the mean anterior fontanel size were calculated. This study may help to prepare a national standard for the anterior fontanel size.