A morphometric study of anterior fontanel in eastern Indian population and its clinical correlation

Introduction: The fontanels are soft membrane covered gaps and the meeting of more than two cranial bones placed side by side. There are six fontanels, of which anterior fontanel is most prominent. We tried to determine the anterior fontanel dimension of the neonates of different gestational age. This in turn will help in diagnosing newborns with serious medical conditions and ensuring their prompt care. Objectives: Estimation of neonatal anterior fontanel area, for use in neonatal screening. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital with 530 consecutively live born new born of 28 -41 weeks gestation. After three days of life anterior fontanel area was measured. The values were summarized using descriptive statistics, including percentile values. Results: In index study, we deducted anterior fontanel dimensions of newborns of gestational age ranging from 28 to 41 weeks. The mean anterior fontanel size was 3.20 ± 1.71. Anterior fontanel variation with gestational age showed that anterior fontanel area increases with increase in gestational age. However, another study with greater number of participants and in a community setting may be helpful. Conclusion: Anterior fontanel area can be used as a tool for identifying newborns with grave ailments. Abnormal fontanel measurement can be either large or small anterior fontanel. These are associated with many important consequences. Detecting them early will help in seeking appropriate medical guidance.