Microcephaly in Infants: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Türkiye

INTRODUCTION: Microcephaly (MC) is a clinical finding mostly reflecting deficiency of brain growth. The aim of our study was to assess risk factors and follow-up features of children with MC.
METHODS: Children’s personal health records (n=7580) followed between 2002 and 2020 in the Unit of Well Child Clinic were assessed retrospectively. The case group was constituted of children with MC (n=49). Age and sex-matched children with normal head circumference consisted of the control group (n=98). MC was defined as head circumference SDS value ≤ -2 SDS.
RESULTS: In this retrospective cohort study, children with MC had more disadvantaged sociodemographic characteristics such as young maternal and paternal age and low maternal and paternal education. Breastfeeding was high among controls. The resolution had been observed in 26 children with MC, whether it was mild (head circumference SDS between -2 and -2.9) or severe (head circumference SDS ≤3). Children with persistent MC had poorer developmental milestones than controls and cases with resolution. Sociodemographic features or developmental milestones in mild and severe MC were not different statistically.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: According to our results it would be appropriate to use head circumference ≤ 2 SDS for the definition of MC not to miss the cases in the follow-ups. Some MC cases can be prevented by decreasing inequalities. Further studies are needed evaluating socioeconomic factors on MC.