Anthropometry for syndromology

Abstract

In diagnosing certain syndromes, abnormal facial features such as hypertelorism, low set ears or wide nasolabial distance are taken into consideration. Most often the description is from a visual impression, which may prove wrong as it is only relative. Detailed studies have, so far been only from the west, except for two, from northern India. These values may not suit us as facial features and measurements vary in different populations. This study was undertaken to set up a standard for the south Indian population, to detect deviations and to compare our figures with those from other studies. Measurements were taken in 850 children, from birth to 11 years of age (horizontal study). The parameters studied were the inner and outer canthal distances, from which interpupillary distance was calculated; nasolabial distance, ear length, ear set, hand length and AF/AT ratio. The average measurements for various features (50th percentile) 3rd and 97th centile are presented in tables. Besides providing standards, this paper will aquaint the pediatricians on the need to actually measure the features rather than rely on ones impression on physical features in diagnosing syndromes.

Influence of age on measured anatomical and physiological interpupillary distance (far and near), and near heterophoria, in Arab males

“…Between early adulthood (16–25 years) and old age (41–67 years), the FIPD had increased by 2.2 mm and 1.3 mm (Viktorin’s and PD-5, respectively), with the NIPD increasing by 2.8 mm and 2.3 mm (Viktorin’s and PD-5, respectively). This indicates that in line with previous reports,6,9,38–41 the increase in FIPD and NIPD in early adulthood continues towards an individual’s late 30s, and begins to decrease in the fourth decade of life.…”

Reference values of anthropometric measurements in healthy late preterm and term infants

“…Outer canthal measurements of studies from Wales and United States were similar to our results (24). Two studies from India determined longer outer canthal length than in our study (16,25). In the study of Feingold and Bossert, which is accepted as standard in the measurement of the external canthal, the 50th percentile value of the outer canthal distance was determined as 6.32 cm in term infants, as in our study (1).…”

Craniofacial anthropometry of Hong Kong Chinese babies: the eye

“…Jones et al (11) suggested that PFL related closely to eye size, a neural organ, and PFL indirectly reflects neural growth. When compared with the Indians and the Nigerians, the palpebral fissure of the HKC seems to be more medially oriented (2, 22).…”