title: [Weight-length correlation of newborn infants. A current method for somatic evaluation--standard values].
abstract: Over 30,000 deliveries from 1959 to 1980 were evaluated regarding the correlation between birth weight and length of the newborn. The factors influencing the ratios such as sex of the newborn, year of birth and maternal age and parity were investigated. Since 1965, the correlation has no relationship to the year of birth. It was further found that in almost every tenth primigravida the values of the multiparas were not applicable. In primigravidas below age 17 and over age 26 the proportion was 15%. The author therefore proposes that primigravidas are not included into the normal values. About 9,000 neonates of multiparas were used to establish a standard. The correlation is independent of the sex. Male and female newborns can therefore be evaluated by the same standard. A new concept for the evaluation of the somatic state of a newborn was discussed and recommended by the author. This concept uses the usual method which is also used later in life. Evaluation of the body length is correlated to the length of gestation according to length/SSW standards into macrosome , normosome , and microsome and evaluation of the body with a new weight length standard (Figure 10). The advantages are described in several examples. The comparison of the usual evaluation of newborns by weight/SSW with the new concept shows that more differentiated evaluation is possible in about 1/3 of the cases, especially cases with perinatal mortality and RDS. The optimal treatment and observation of the newborn is improved. The scientific evaluation of such problems as fetopathy , premature delivery and dysmature delivery becomes more exact. The danger of misinterpretations and wrong conclusions is diminished.
mesh_terms: D001724:Birth Weight; D001827:Body Height; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008423:Maternal Age; D010298:Parity; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors
vernacular_title: Gewichts-Längen-Beziehung Neugeborener. Eine neue Methode zur somatischen Beurteilung--Standardwerte.