Abstract:
Introduction: Anthropometric measurements have been a reliable method for monitoring and controlling the growth and development of newborns for years. The World Health Organization provides reference values in this field for healthcare professionals, particularly pediatricians. However, these reference values show significant differences for children with various conditions such as spina bifida. Determining reference values suitable for healthcare professionals dealing with spina bifida and adapting them for clinical use aims to determine the most appropriate method for the development of infants with spina bifida more reliably. With this study conducted on a total of 220 spina bifida newborns, including 105 males and 115 females, regularly monitored in our hospital, we aimed to achieve these goals.
Method: Measurements of newborns aged 0-28 days were conducted on monitored spina bifida newborns at our university hospital. The study included a total of 220 patients, with 105 males and 115 females. Patients with congenital and secondary hydrocephalus identified during the studies were excluded from the study group. Measurements were taken on a total of 166 patients, including 82 males and 84 females, in whom hydrocephalus did not develop during the measurement.
Results: Weight percentiles were normal in 58 hydrocephalus cases, while length percentiles were below normal, and head circumference percentiles were above the 97th percentile. It was found that only head circumference measurements masked normal weight. In the remaining 108 cases, the length was below normal, while weight and head circumference were in the normal percentile.
The results of our study indicate that in infants with larger head circumferences, hydrocephalus affects the weight percentile, rendering standard healthy child percentiles inadequate for children with spina bifida. Therefore, we advocate for the necessity of a specific percentile curve for children with spina bifida.
Audience Take Away
- The presentation highlights the significant differences in reference values for children with conditions such as spina bifida compared to typically developing children, emphasizing the need for more tailored reference values for healthcare professionals dealing with spina bifida cases
- The audience will understand the objectives of the study, which aimed to determine more appropriate reference values for infants with spina bifida by conducting measurements on a cohort of 220 spina bifida newborns regularly monitored in a hospital setting
- The audience will learn about the impact of hydrocephalus on weight percentiles and the inadequacy of standard healthy child percentiles for children with spina bifida, particularly those with larger head circumferences
- The presentation concludes by discussing the implications of the study findings and advocating for the necessity of specific percentile curves for children with spina bifida, highlighting the importance of tailored reference values for this population
