Background and objectivesIdentifying virilisation of the genitalia in female newborns early during the neonatal period is important to diagnose pathologies. However, there is no clear threshold for clitoromegaly or for the anogenital ratio. The objective of this study was to define reference values for the external genitalia of full-term and pre-term female neonates.DesignThis was a prospective study of all females born in the study centre between May 2014 and July 2016. Clitoral length and anogenital ratio were measured in 619 newborns with a gestational age of 24+2 to 41+3 weeks during their first 3 days of life. Associations between the values at day 3 and gestational age, birth weight and other newborn characteristics were examined by linear regression.ResultsThe mean clitoral length at day 3 of life was 3.69±1.53 mm (n=551; 95th percentile, 6.5 mm; maximum, 8 mm), and the mean anogenital ratio was 0.42±0.09 (95th percentile, 0.58). There was no significant variation with gestational age or birth weight, and no significant difference between the results at day 0 and day 3.ConclusionThese results suggest that clitoromegaly can be defined as a clitoral length >6.5 mm. Values ≥8 mm should prompt further investigations. An anogenital ratio >0.6 should be considered a sign of virilisation. Since clitoral size does not vary with gestational age or birth weight, clitoromegaly should not be attributed to prematurity.

Background: Despite the critical importance of breast milk for preterm and sick neonates, there is no consensus regarding the use of raw mother's own milk (MOM) in neonatal units. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the use of raw MOM in hospitalised neonates before day 7 (early use), and to investigate: (i) related factors, (ii) maternal satisfaction, and (iii) the association with breastfeeding continuation. Methods: This prospective cohort included 516 neonates intended to be breastfed in 2 French neonatal units. Neonates receiving raw MOM before day 7 were compared to those who did not. The association between early use of MOM and breastfeeding continuation at hospital discharge, and up to 6 months later, was measured by logistic regression. Results: More than one-third (36.2%) of breastfed neonates did not receive any MOM during their first week, mainly due to organisational constraints and staff reluctance. Maternal satisfaction related to early raw MOM use was high (96%), and was coupled with a more frequent maternal feeling of being supported in breastfeeding (p = 0.003). There was a significant association between early use of MOM and breastfeeding continuation at discharge (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.94-4.40, p < 0.0001), which persisted 6 months later (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.21-6.03, p = 0.023). This association appeared independent in multivariable analyses (at discharge: aOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.27-3.25, p = 0.003; 6 months later: aOR 2.46, 95% CI 1.02-5.92, p = 0.045). Conclusion: While the early use of raw MOM in hospitalised neonates can be limited by multiple factors, it appears supportive for mothers, and might represent a simple opportunity to improve breastfeeding in neonatal units.

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