Ponderal index: a better definition of the 'at risk' group with intrauterine growth problems than birth-weight for gestational age in term infants.
A study was undertaken at Nepean Hospital, Penrith to compare the outcome of pregnancies with growth retarded infants; 2,508 consecutive births were analyzed between August 1, 1989 and April 30, 1990. A comparison of outcome was made between infants whose birth-weight for gestational age was below the tenth percentile and infants who had a low ponderal index from 37 weeks' gestation. The Caesarean section delivery and fetal distress rates were significantly higher for infants with a low ponderal index than for infants with a low birth-weight. Ponderal index appears to be a better measure of infants with intrauterine growth problems than birth-weight percentiles.
Fay
R A
RA
Macquarie University, Penrith, NSW.
Dey
P L
PL
Saadie
C M
CM
Buhl
J A
JA
Gebski
V J
VJ
D016010:Binomial Distribution; D001724:Birth Weight; D001835:Body Weight; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000254:growth & development; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors