Anthropometric Surrogates for Screening of Low Birth Weight Newborns

Abstract

In developing countries, where about 75% of births occur at home or in the community, logistic problems prevent the weighing of every newborn child. This study compares various anthropometric surrogates for identification of low birth weight neonates. A longitudinal community based study was done in an urban resettlement colony and 283 singleton neonates within 7 days of birth were examined for the anthropometric measurements such as head, chest, mid upper arm circumference and foot length as a screening tool for low birth weight. Chest circumference measured within 7 days of birth appeared to be the most appropriate surrogate of low birth weight with highest sensitivity (75.4%), specificity (78.4%), and positive predictive value (48.9%) as compared with other anthropometric parameters. Low birth weight neonates in absence of weighing scales can be early identified by using simple anthropometric measurements for enhanced home-based care and timely referral.

Anthropometric Measurements: Options for Identifying Low Birth Weight Newborns in Kumasi, Ghana

“…Many studies have reported strong positive correlations between birth weight and several anthropometrics: 0.60–0.97 [19], [24], [26], [29]. Some studies found the correlation to be highest with MUAC, with estimates ranging from r = 0.66 to 0.95 and ChC (r = 0.60–0.85) [19], [25], [29], while others reported that ChC, OFC and ThC had the highest correlations [27], [28], and Das & others added CaC (r = 0.95) [30].…”

“…Some studies found the correlation to be highest with MUAC, with estimates ranging from r = 0.66 to 0.95 and ChC (r = 0.60–0.85) [19], [25], [29], while others reported that ChC, OFC and ThC had the highest correlations [27], [28], and Das & others added CaC (r = 0.95) [30]. These findings are similar to those of our study – ChC (r = 0.690, MUAC (r = 0.68), CaC (r = 0.66) and ThC (r = 0.65).…”

“…The methods and techniques used were based on standardized techniques and criteria described in published studies [19]–[23]. We measured the birth weights of all newborns to the nearest 100 g using Model 180 Salter weighing scale (England), calibrated with a bottle weighing 1000 grams as was done routinely for all babies delivered at the two hospitals.…”

Body mass index values for term newborns and its correlation with other anthropometric surrogates

“…Studies are lacking in this particular area even though many studies are there showing correlation with birth weight. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] We trialed the BMI cutoff points at 11, 12, 13 for the anthropometric surrogates and compared their efficacy as provided in Table 2. This was done with proof from other studies, where their mean BMI ranged from 11 to 13.…”

“…These studies showed that the Mid Arm circumference, Chest circumference and head circumference correlated well with birth weight. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] A study done by Brock RS, charted BMI for newborns according to the gestational age and the mean BMI in term neonates were found to be 13.25±1.11. 15 It also validated BMI as a good tool for accessing nutrition.…”