Abstract

Introduction: The serial assessment of head circumference (HC) is a valuable tool that gives us early warning about potential growth alterations and central nervous system development disturbances. Aim: To know the rate of health controls where HC is measured, diagnosed and if a concordant therapeutical behavior was taken. Method: 424 health control records of infants were reviewed in 2 health centers of Colina from July 2002 to present. It was recorded HC measurement, diagnosis and indications about HC. All measurements were compared with NCHS charts and then compared with the diagnosis registered in medical records. Results: 85,3% of controls had HC measurement record. 17,7% of them had a diagnosis, being concordant in 92% with the researcher team. 14% of the controls without diagnosis had an abnormal HC. Non behavior was registered in the only abnormal HC record found by health team. Conclusion: HC adequately measure is adequately in almost all health controls, although its interpretation is underused. It seems that standard behaviors are needed to get, control and refer the infants with abnormal HC to optimize the value of this clinical tool