Penile length of newborns in Singapore

Micropenis is an important sign in congenital hypopituitarism and various d isorders. Documented norms for penile length exist only for babies of Cauca sian and Middle-Eastern origin. This study was carried out to establish suc h norms for Asian newborns. We studied 228 male live births within their fi rst three days of life. Stretched penile lengths were marked off on unmarke d wooden spatulas, which were placed vertically along the dorsal aspect of the penis, with one rounded end on the pubic bone. The mean penile length /-S.D. for the full-term Asian baby was 3.6 +/- 0.4 cm, Race had a signific ant effect: Chinese 3.5 cm, Malay 3.6 cm and Indian 3.8 cm. Penile length c orrelated with birth weight and gestational age. Asian babies thus have sim ilar norms to Caucasian babies. An Asian newborn whose penis measures less than 2.6 cm has micropenis and may need prompt investigation for underlying endocrine disorders.