Symphysis-fundal measurement as a predictor of low birthweight.
OBJECTIVE
To prospectively test the value of a symphysis-fundal measurement in labor of less than or equal to 29 cm as a predictor of birth mass below 2000 g.


METHODS
Women admitted to Kalafong Hospital in labor with a singleton pregnancy were included in the study. Symphysis-fundal measurement according to the method of Westin was performed on two separate occasions and recorded together with other pertinent details. A receiver-operator curve was constructed to test various cut-off measurements.


RESULTS
A total of 1216 women were included in the study. One hundred twenty-one fetuses had a birth mass less than 2000 g (10%). A measurement of less than or equal to 29 cm had a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 98% with a positive predictive value of 81% and a negative predictive value of 97%. On the receiver-operator curve a cutoff of 30 cm showed a better sensitivity with little loss of specificity.


CONCLUSIONS
A symphysis-fundal measurement of less than or equal to 29 cm is a good predictor of birth mass less than 2000 g and can be used as an indication for referral to centres with neonatal facilities.
Jeffery
B S
BS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kalafong Hospital, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X396, Pretoria 0001, South Africa. bridgetj@kalafong.up.ac.za
Pattinson
R C
RC
Makin
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010387:Pelvimetry / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011631:Pubic Symphysis / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012372:ROC Curve