[Capacity of weight-for-age and length-for-age to predict stunting at 3 years of age].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the capacity of two cut-off points of weight-for-age and length-for-age (-1 and -2 standard deviations) at different ages in the interval between birth and 30 months to predict stunting in three year old children.


METHODS
Data from a longitudinal study in Guatemala were used to evaluate the hypothesis that the capacity of cut-off values of weight-for-age and length-for-age to predict stunting at three years of age varies according to age.


RESULTS
Length-for-age at -1 standard deviation (SD) of the WHO/NCHS mean reference values is a satisfactory prognostic indicator of stunting at three years of age during the first semester of life, while the same index at -2 SD is adequate after 9 months of age. Weight-for-age at -1 SD is a suitable indicator only at 9 months and at -2 SD the indicator is satisfactory between 15 and 24 months of age.


CONCLUSIONS
The capacity to predict stunting at three years of age, for weight-for-age and length-for-age cut-off values varies according to age.
Rivera
J
J
Centro de Investigación en Salud Poblacional, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, México. jrivera@insp3.insp.mx
Cortés
C
C
Flores
M
M
González-Cossío
T
T
D000367:Age Factors; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005183:Failure to Thrive / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
Capacidad de peso para edad y longitud para edad para predecir desmedro a los tres años de vida.