Maternal MUAC and fetal outcome in an Indian tertiary care hospital: A prospective observational study

Abstract

Studies to date demonstrated the relatedness of mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement of pregnant women to their anthropometry/weight. Hence, the objective was to determine whether maternal MUAC at different gestational age predicted birthweight, and if so, to identify which cut‐offs provided the best prediction of low birthweight (LBW) in pregnant women cohort. A total of 928 pregnant women, free of any obstetrical and medical complications known to affect fetal growth, were followed from 20 to 24 weeks' gestation till delivery. Weight, height, and MUAC were determined for the pregnant women, and gestational age along with newborns anthropometry was collected. The mean birthweight was 2.6 ± 0.460 kg. Maternal age, height, weight, MUAC (three time points), gestational age at delivery, and post‐natal weight showed positive correlation with birthweight, crown heel length, and head circumference of the neonates. The cut‐off limit with the best sensitivity–specificity (54.0 and 59.8, respectively) for MUAC was 23 cm, whereas maternal weight of 55 kg had sensitivity and specificity of 62.5 and 59.9 for predicting LBW. Maternal weight of 55 kg and MUAC value of 23 cm had almost similar sensitivity and specificity for predicting LBW. MUAC (≤23 cm) can be considered as a potential indicator of LBW where weighing of pregnant women is not feasible or when presentation for antenatal care is late, especially where pre‐pregnancy weights are not available.

Determinants of maternal low mid‐upper arm circumference and its association with child nutritional status among poor and very poor households in rural Bangladesh

“…After controlling for many relevant covariates, which were available in our data set, maternal MUAC < 23 cm was significantly correlated with wasting, stunting and underweight status among children. These findings are consistent with results from other settings (Assefa et al, 2012;Gewa et al, 2012;Kpewou et al, 2020;Vasundhara et al, 2020), suggesting that maternal MUAC is a significant predictor of childhood malnutrition. Our analysis revealed that younger maternal age, not receiving antenatal care check-ups during the last pregnancy, not having a skilled attendant during the last delivery, the number of children, not using of contraception, experience of domestic violence, having unimproved latrine, no availability of water and soap in the handwashing place, religion, household food insecurity, not washing utensils with tube well water in all seasons and having unimproved flooring material were significantly associated with maternal underweight status.…”

“…Therefore, MUAC is considered as a reliable method for determining the nutritional status of women (Sultana et al, 2015). Several studies have been conducted to assess the association between maternal MUAC and children's nutritional indicators in various settings and populations (Assefa et al, 2012;Gewa et al, 2012;Kpewou et al, 2020;Vasundhara et al, 2020). These studies measured the nutritional status of either lactating or pregnant women (representing the general population) in facilities or households but did not specifically focus on women from poor or very poor households.…”

Analysis of Upper Arm Circumference Using Statistical Approach as a Risk Factor of Stunting Cases

“…Both studies conclude the same analysis results, namely that there was a significant relationship between the upper arm circumference of pregnant women and the birth weight of the baby. The results of this study explain that the better the upper arm circumference of pregnant women [19], the more potential the mother will give birth to babies who did not experience stunting cases.…”

Validation of New Interactive Nutrition Assistant - Diet in India Study of Health (NINA-DISH) FFQ with multiple 24-h dietary recalls among pregnant women in Pune, India

“…The median (Q1, Q3) midupper arm circumference during the second and third trimester visits was 23•5 (21•9, 25•5) and 24•1 (22•5, 26) cm, respectively. Using a pregnancy mid-upper arm circumference cut-off of ≤23 cm to define undernutrition and risk of low birth weight, 44 and 31 % of women were undernourished in the second and third trimester, respectively (38,39) . The median (Q1, Q3) gestational weight gain from enrolment through delivery for this population was 2•79 (0•7, 6•4) kg with a maximum weight gain of 15•5 kg and a maximum weight loss of 5•9 kg.…”