Ponderal index of low birth weight babies--a hospital based study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the ratio of disproportionate versus proportionate Intra uterine growth retardation among low birth weight babies using the Ponderal index.


METHODS
This was a retrospective study. Medical records of babies with weight < 2.5kg delivered in the Obstetric Department were reviewed. The ponderal index was calculated to determine disproportionate and proportionate intra uterine growth retardation among low birth weight babies.


RESULTS
A total of 227 babies were included. Male and Female ratio was equal. Sixty seven percent were delivered vaginally. Only 12 mothers (5.3%) had a history of maternal illness. Eighty nine low birth weight babies (39.9%) had a low ponderal index. Ponderal index in fullterm babies was < 2.2 in 54.3% and in pre-term < 2.0 in 34.9%.


CONCLUSIONS
Nearly 40% of low birth weight babies had disproportionate body proportions. This group of babies according to foetal origins of diseases may be predisposed to Diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease.
Akram
Dure Samin
DS
Department of Paediatrics, Dow University of Health Sciences and Civil Hospital, Karachi.
Arif
Fehmina
F
D000886:Anthropometry; D001724:Birth Weight; D001827:Body Height; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies