The ponderal index in triplets: I. Relationship to small for gestational age neonates.
The aim of the study was to examine the ponderal index in small for gestational age (SGA) triplets. Prospectively collected data from a cohort of triplets born at 28 to 37 weeks were analyzed. A low neonatal ponderal index (birth weight/[length]3) was defined as less than 1 SD below the mean (2.0), and SGA was considered as birth weight below the 10th percentile by triplet standards. We studied 2181 sets of triplets. Triplets delivered at < or = 33 weeks have a lower mean ponderal index compared with those delivered at > 33 weeks. About 70% of SGA triplets do not have a low ponderal index, whereas 79.2% of infants with a low ponderal index are not SGA by triplet standards. Both the frequency of a low ponderal index and the frequency of infants with a low ponderal index who are not SGA decrease with increasing gestational age. We conclude that the majority of triplets with a low ponderal index might not be considered growth restricted, supporting the concept that reduced fetal weight of triplets is more likely a physiological rather than a pathological phenomenon.
Blickstein
Isaac
I
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel. blick@netvision.net.il
Kalish
Robin B
RB
Sharma
Geeta
G
Rhea
Debbie J
DJ
Keith
Louis G
LG
D000886:Anthropometry; D001724:Birth Weight; D001827:Body Height; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age; D014310:Triplets