Anogenital Distance in Turkish Newborns

Abstract

Objective: Anogenital distances are considered to be a sensitive indicator of external genitalia exposure to factors such as anti-androgens, and/or endocrine distruptors during the prenatal period. Exposure to such factors can lead to changes in the anogenital measurements (AGM) of newborn infants. These measurements can be used to predict masculinization of the external genitalia in healthy newborns. The goal of this study was to determine normal values for AGM in Turkish newborns of both genders. Methods: One hundred fifteen female and 135 male term newborns with no congenital defects were included in this study. A well-trained observer measured the anogenital distance by using a sliding Caliper graduated in millimeters. Anogenital distance was measured from the center of the anus to the posterior convergence of the fourchette in females and from the center of the anus to the junction of the smooth perineal skin with the base of the scrotum in males. Results: Anogenital distance in males and females was 23±0.6 mm and 10.3±0.2 mm, respectively. There were significant differences in anogenital distance values between male and female newborns (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study provide data that can be used as reference standards with regard to AGM of the posterior genital structures in Turkish male and female newborns. These data will also serve in postnatal evaluations to determine the effects of prenatal exposures to factors affecting development of genitalia. Conflict of interest:None declared.

Anogenital Distance in Term Newborns in Kumasi, Ghana

“…AGD has also been reported to be variably associated with birth weight, birth length, occipitofrontal circumference, and gestational age [4, 10, 15, 17, 20]. We found AGD to be significantly correlated with birth weight, birth length, occipitofrontal circumference, and penile width.…”

“…In females, the distance from the anus to the fourchette [4, 6, 7, 10, 15-18, 20], the distance from the anus to the base of the clitoris [15, 17], and the distance from the fourchette to the base of the clitoris [17] have all been reported. Irrespective of the measurement utilized, AGD has been found to be sexually dimorphic, being about twice as long in males as in females in most published studies [4, 17]. Thus, there is a growing body of literature on AGD and its correlates in humans, reflecting the importance of this measure.…”

“…In males, the distance from the centre of the anus to the most posterior base of the scrotum [4, 10, 15-20], the distance from the centre of the anus to the posterior base of the penis [17], and the distance from the anus to the anterior base of the penis [10, 15, 17] have been reported. In females, the distance from the anus to the fourchette [4, 6, 7, 10, 15-18, 20], the distance from the anus to the base of the clitoris [15, 17], and the distance from the fourchette to the base of the clitoris [17] have all been reported. Irrespective of the measurement utilized, AGD has been found to be sexually dimorphic, being about twice as long in males as in females in most published studies [4, 17].…”

Ano-genital distance in healthy Nigerian full-term newborn infants

“…The apparatus used for the measurements, the number of measurement taken, the experience of the person taking the measurements, availability of an assistant during the measurement and the number of investigators involved are some of the important factors that could influence the measurements (15). Although there were 2 studies done on AGD, smaller sample size and the coverage of a small geographical area of the country were major limitations of these studies (13,14).…”

“…Animal studies have shown that body size influence AGD and needs to be adjusted in studies concerning the effect of environmental pollutants on AGD (22, 23, 24). AGD of newborn infants also has a correlation with the birth weight, the length and the occipito-frontal circumference (14,15). Therefore, when analyzing AGD data, it is important that adjustments are done for these parameters before comparing AGD data.…”