WIC 152
Low Head Circumference
(Infants and Children < 24 Months of Age)

Low head circumference for infants and children < 24 months of age is defined as follows:

* Based on 2006 World Health Organization international growth standards (2). CDC labels the 2.3rd percentile as the 2nd percentile on the Birth to 24 months gender specific growth charts. For more information about the percentile cut-off, please see Clarification.

Note: For premature infants and children (with a history of prematurity) up to 2 years of age, assignment of this risk criterion will be based on adjusted gestational age. For information about adjusting for gestational age see: Guidelines for Growth Charts and Gestational Age Adjustment for Low Birth Weight and Very Low Birth Weight Infants.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children have a head-circumference measurement at each well-child visit until 2 years of age (3). It is recommended that the measurements be plotted on gender specific growth charts to identify children with a head size or growth pattern that warrants further evaluation (3). Low head circumference (LHC) is associated with pre-term birth and very low birth weight (VLBW) as well as a variety of genetic, nutrition, and health factors (4). Head size is also related to socioeconomic status and the relationship is mediated in part by nutrition factors (4). LHC is indicative of future nutrition and health risk, particularly poor neurocognitive abilities (4). LHC among VLBW children is associated with lower IQ and poorer academic achievement (5). Some studies suggest that interventions to improve antenatal and postnatal head circumference growth may contribute to better scholastic outcomes (5).

LHC alone does not necessarily indicate an abnormal head size. The diagnosis of LHC must also be based on the presence of other evidence and knowledge of the causes of LHC (5). Although WIC agencies may choose not to take head circumference measurements, referral data that indicates LHC may be used to assign this risk.

Through client-centered counseling, WIC staff can assist families in making nutritionally balanced food choices to promote adequate growth. Also, the foods provided by the WIC Program are scientifically-based and intended to address the supplemental nutritional needs of the Program’s target population, and can be tailored to meet the needs of individual participants

In addition, WIC staff can greatly assist families by providing referrals to medical providers and other services, if available, in their community. Such resources may provide the recommended medical assessments, in order to rule out or confirm medical conditions, and offer treatment when necessary and/or in cases where growth improvement is slow to respond to dietary interventions.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use of World Health Organization and CDC growth charts for children aged 0-59 months in the United States. MMWR 2010; 59(No. RR-9). Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5909a1.htm?s_cid=rr5909a1_w. Accessed September 2010.

2. World Health Organization. WHO child growth standards: Length/height-for-age, weight-for-age, weight for height and body mass index-for-age: Methods and development. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2006. Available at: http://www.who.int/childgrowth/publications/technical_report_pub/en/index.html. Accessed September 2010.

3. Hagan JF, Shaw JS, Duncan PM, editors. Bright futures: Guidelines for health supervision of infants, children and adolescents. 3rd ed. Elk Grove, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2008.

4. Institute of Medicine. WIC nutrition risk criteria a scientific assessment. Washington (DC): National Academy Press; 1996.

5. Peterson J, Taylor HG, Minich N, Hack M. Subnormal head circumference in very low birth weight children: neonatal correlates and school-age consequences. Early Hum Dev. 2006 May; 82(5):325- 34.

The cut-off for LHC is 2.3; however, for ease of use, CDC labels it as the 2nd percentile on the hard copy Birth to 24 months growth charts. Electronic charts should use the 2.3rd percentile as the cut-off.