INTRODUCTION: Assessment of the size of the anterior fontanel is a part of the routine examination in neonatology and pediatrics. Knowledge of the normal variations in AF size may be helpful in the early recognition of disorders. The mean size of the AF in neonates and infants in Addis Ababa is not known and the current looks in to this issue. METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out on 687 apparently healthy neonates and infants who were seen consecutively from January 2003 to December 2003. RESULTS: There were 363 males and 324 females at the ages of 3, 46, 76, 106 and 270 days. The mean of anterior-posterior and lateral dimensions was considered to be the size of anterior fontanel. The mean AF size at the age of 3 days was 3.35 +/- 0.94 cm and showed a decline in the respective postnatal ages. 0.8% of infants at the age of 76 days had closed AF and the percentage of closure rose to 2.3 and 39.6 at the ages of 106 and 270 days respectively. CONCLUSION: This study supported previous reports indicating racial difference in the size and time of closure of AF. The size and time of closure of AF are used to monitor the development of brain and general state of health of the individual. Further study is recommended indifferent parts of Ethiopia to establish age-related standard of AF size.
INTRODUCTION: Assessment of the size of the anterior fontanel is a part of the routine examination in neonatology and pediatrics. Knowledge of the normal variations in AF size may be helpful in the early recognition of disorders. The mean size of the AF in neonates and infants in Addis Ababa is not known and the current looks in to this issue. METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out on 687 apparently healthy neonates and infants who were seen consecutively from January 2003 to December 2003. RESULTS: There were 363 males and 324 females at the ages of 3, 46, 76, 106 and 270 days. The mean of anterior-posterior and lateral dimensions was considered to be the size of anterior fontanel. The mean AF size at the age of 3 days was 3.35 +/- 0.94 cm and showed a decline in the respective postnatal ages. 0.8% of infants at the age of 76 days had closed AF and the percentage of closure rose to 2.3 and 39.6 at the ages of 106 and 270 days respectively. CONCLUSION: This study supported previous reports indicating racial difference in the size and time of closure of AF. The size and time of closure of AF are used to monitor the development of brain and general state of health of the individual. Further study is recommended indifferent parts of Ethiopia to establish age-related standard of AF size.