title: Thigh circumference and thigh-to-head ratio in preterm and term infants.
abstract: The diagnosis of altered fetal growth requires multiple criteria that include not only weight and length measurements, but also head, abdominal, and thigh circumference measurements. This cross-sectional study presents the normal standards for thigh circumference, thigh-to-head ratio, and Rohrer's ponderal index in newborn infants from 27 to 41 weeks' gestation, in relation to gestational age and birth weight. A thigh-to-head ratio of < 0.38 and a ponderal index < 2.3 in a term infant are important measurements for appropriate diagnosis of impaired fetal growth. These standards may also serve as reference for comparison with fetal ultrasonographic measurements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatology, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Merlob
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sivan
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry; D001724:Birth Weight; D002508:Cephalometry; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D013848:Thigh / Q000033:anatomy & histology*