Interpupillary and internipple distances and ear lengths in Nigerian newborns.

Two hundred and seventy-eight Nigerian, singleton full term neonates were investigated for interpupillary and internipple distances and ear length. The values were compared with standards derived from an American population. The study showed that the Nigerian neonate is hyperteloric, has a short ear, more closely spaced nipples and a lower ratio of internipple distance to chest circumference relative to the American neonate. It was concluded that local reference standards are needed before these anthropometric parameters can be safely used in the diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation and dysmorphic states.