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- Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2014) Volume 4, Issue 31
Investigating Craniosynostosis in Infants Resident in Sokoto, Nigeria: A Six Month Prospective Study
Background: Craniosynostosis refers to the premature fusion of one or more of the fibrous joints (sutures) that normally separate the bony plates of infant’s skull. This study investigated the prevalence of craniosynostosis in infants resident in Sokoto metropolis.
Materials and methods: A total of 51 infants (32 males and 19 females) aged between 0 and 36 months presented at the Institute of Child Health Unit of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto were recruited for this study. The head circumference (HC), height and weight of the children were obtained using standard measurements. The 3rd and 97th percentiles of HC were calculated for the study participants using the Standard Infant Head Circumference for Age Percentiles Calculator.
Results: Microcephaly was observed in 12.5% of the infants, 1.79% had macrocephaly and 31.25% were normocephalic. The overall mean values for HC was 45.65±3.86 cm in males and 43.37±4.19 cm in females.
Conclusion: Craniosynostosis could not be properly established due to non-availability of neuro-imaging records as most of the infants could not afford the cost. Routine neuro-developmental screening including three dimensional CT (computerized tomography) scan and referral of children with Craniosynostosis or abnormal head sizes is recommended