Project
A Comparison of three Methods for Measurement of Palpebral Fissure Lengths for the Assessment of FASD
Principal Investigator(s): Dr. A. E. Chudley, phone: 204-787-4350, email: achudley@hsc.mb.ca and Megan Cranston, medical student
Start/End Date: Summer 2005 to 2006
Location: Winnipeg, MB
Description: The purpose of this study is to review one of the diagnostic approaches for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and its most visible presentation, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). There are three facial features that constitute the specific constellation for a diagnosis of FAS. These include short palpebral fissures, smooth or flattened philtrum, and thin vermilion border of the upper lip. Of these, palpebral fissure length is difficult among clinicians to measure accurately. Palpebral fissure length (PFL) is a sentinel physical finding of FAS. It is defined as the distance from the endocanthion to the exocanthion of one eye. A clinician can take the measurement using a handheld ruler, slide calipers, or digital photometric photography (FAS Facial Photographic Analysis Software developed by the University of Washington FAS Diagnostic and Prevention Network).
Previous studies have shown that disparities exist between PFL measurements taken for the same individual. These disparities are due to the training of the clinician and/or the measurement tool used. A previous study (Chudley, 2004) reported that when comparing calipers and ruler for measuring PFL, the calipers measured over 0.1cm more than the ruler when all measurements are taken by the same highly trained clinician. The elimination of any error is crucial because even a difference of millimeter(s) can determine whether the measurement falls below the third percentile (two standard deviations from the mean) and, consequently, whether a diagnosis is made. It is recognized that there is a need for standardized methods of measurement so every clinician is able to find the same, accurate PFL for the assessment of FASD. The aim of the project is to compare all three methods of measurement, now that photometric photography has emerged.
Time Frame: Completed, results reported at the 2nd International FASD Conference, March 7-10, 2007 in Victoria, BC.
Kind of Project: research
Populations Served: Canada-wide
|
