Clinical estimation of liver size in the normal neonate

Abstract

Clinical estimates of liver size and comparative analysis of the clinical techniques of estimating liver size are not available for neonates. Liver span was determined by a pediatrician and pediatric nurse practitioner, in 100 consecutive normal term neonates at 1 and 3 days of life, using four methods. The most reproducible method in estimating liver size in neonates is either (1) percussion of the upper and lower borders of (2) percussion of the upper border and palpation of the lower border. The clinical estimate of liver size in a healthy term neonate is 5.65 cm, with a 95% confidence limit of 4.25 to 7.00 cm. These values provide a basis for comparison during routine examination.