Closure of the anterior and posterior fontanelle in the New Zealand population: A computed tomography study. (12th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kirkpatrick, Joshua; Bowie, Sarah; Mirjalili, Seyed A
• Is Part Of: Journal of paediatrics and child health. Volume 55:Number 5(2019)
• Page Start: 588
• Page End: 593
• Publication Date: 2018-10-12
• Subjects: anterior fontanelle -- computer tomography -- infant -- population standards -- posterior fontanelle; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14253
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1034-4810

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: Significant ethnic variation has been demonstrated in the closure of the anterior fontanelle (AF); however, to date, this has not been investigated in the Māori/Pasifika population. Methods: The computed tomography scans of 163 individuals (116 Māori/Pasifika and 47 New Zealand (NZ) European) aged between birth and 4 years were retrospectively analysed to investigate the surface area (SA) and time of closure of the anterior and posterior fontanelles in New Zealand. Results: The Māori/Pasifika group showed clinical AF closure (SA < 114 mm 2 ) rates of 25% at 4–6 months, increasing to 47% at 10–12 months and 80% at 13–18 months. The posterior fontanelle was clinically unfused in 17% of the Māori/Pasifika group aged <1 month and in 7% of the 1–3‐month‐old group. No cases of posterior fontanelle non‐fusion were identified in the NZ European population. Conclusion: This study establishes normal values for AF size and closure frequency for the first time in the paediatric Māori/Pasifika population.