Abstract
Head circumference (HC) is one of the most significant findings in physical examination,
especially in the evaluation of the development and early diagnosis of neurological
disorders in children. In the standard charts for developmental evaluation of Turkish
children, there is no HC reference values for children over 6 years of age. Since
the HC standards show differences among races and generations, many researchers have
obtained normal values for their own populations, and recommend periodic reevaluation
of these standards. In this study, the HC of 1826 healthy children (945 male, 881
female) aged between 6 and 12 years was measured in order to establish the Turkish
standards. The sample represented various socioeconomic levels in the city of Malatya,
Turkey. The study was conducted in ten schools and measurements were done twice by
a pediatrician and the mean was recorded. Charts and graphs for boys and girls were
prepared separately. Results were compared to the values of other populations. HC
values of Turkish children were similar to that of Irish children. The data obtained
in this study may replace the Nelhaus criteria to be used in clinics. However, a more
widespread study should be carried out by including children from different regions
of Turkey.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 17,
2001
Received in revised form:
August 16,
2001
Received:
May 24,
2001
Identification
Copyright
© 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
