Longitudinal growth of head circumference in term symmetric and asymmetric small for gestational age infants

Aims: To study longitudinal growth pattern of head circumference of full-term symmetric and asymmetric small for gestational age (SGA) infants of the two sexes during first year of life. Study Design: Mixed-longitudinal growth research design. Subjects: Head circumference amongst full-term 100 symmetric, 100 asymmetric as well as 100 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants was measured at birth, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age using standardized technique and instrument. Results: The mean head circumference of male symmetric SGA infants measured significantly (p <= 0.001) smaller than asymmetric SGA infants while, in female symmetric SGA infants it measured shorter beyond 6 months. As compared to AGA infants, head circumference in symmetric and asymmetric SGA infants measured significantly smaller in size. Growth velocity for head circumference amongst symmetric and asymmetric SGA male infants did not show statistically significant differences. Rate of head circumference growth remained significantly higher amongst female asymmetric SGA infants than the symmetric ones between 3 and 6 months while, a reversal of trend was observed between 9 and 12 months. Conclusion: The better growth attainments for head circumference of male and female asymmetric SGA infants than their symmetric SGA counterparts during first postnatal year of life may be attributed to the continuation of influence of "head sparing" experienced by asymmetric SGA babies during prenatal life. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.