Utility of anthropometric measurements to predict low birth weight newborns

Abstract

Introduction: Birth weight is an important indicator of survival, future growth and overall development of the child. Timely care of a low birth weight newborn (LBW) is important but it's difficult in developing countries since many are home deliveries with inadequate facilities to weigh the newborn. Hence this study was conducted to find out the relationship between birth weight and different anthropometric measurements from which LBW babies could be identified reliably and managed accordingly. Methods: The study samples of 500 live newborns were selected by random sampling technique born at Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI), Mysore between 1st December 2006 to 30th November 2007. The following anthropometric measurements were recorded within 24 hours of birth: Weight, Head circumference (HC), Chest circumference (CC), Mid arm circumference (MAC), Calf circumference (CaC), Crown heel length (CHL), Foot length (FL) and Thigh circumference (TC). Comparison between these measurements was done to find out the most suitable birth weight substitute in identification of LBW babies. Results: For determining LBW <2.5 kg, the critical limits for HC, CC, MAC,TC, CaC, FL, CHL were 33.82cm, 31.5cm, 9.99cm, 15.47cm, 10.25cm, 7.67cm and 48.45cm respectively. For determining a birth weight ≤2kg the critical limits for HC, CC, MAC,TC, CaC, FL, CHL were 31.93cm, 29.75cm, 9.03cm, 13.62cm, 9.5cm, 6.93cm and 44.8cm respectively. MAC of ≤9.99cm and ≤9.03cm for detection of birth weight <2.5kg and <2kg respectively have higher measures of validity. Conclusions: MAC is a simple, quick and reliable indicator for predicting LBW. Hence a simple tricolored tape for early detection of at risk newborn can be introduced in community for their timely management.