Fontanelle

Anterior fontanelle

• Anterior fontanelle usually closes sometime between 9 months and 18 months

• AFNT = anterior fontanelle normotensive

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Anterior fontanelle is important in assessing neonates & infants:

(i) Hydration

• Anterior fontanelle sunken in moderate to severe dehydration

(ii) Intracranial pressure

• Anterior fontanelle tense / bulging in meningitis due to hydrocephalus / brain swelling

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Notes: Anterior fontanelle is tense when a child is crying