Predictor of low birth weight babies by anthropometry.
OBJECTIVE
The present study was undertaken to find out the best simple anthropometric parameter for identifying low birth weight (LBW) babies.


METHODS
Hospital-based cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Newborn babies born in KHS hospital, Sevagram.


RESULTS
In the present study, out of 868 newborn babies studied, 52.2% were male. Total 12.6% of them were birth weight < 2000 g and 44.6% were birth weight < 2500 g. Birth weight was significantly correlated (p < 0.001) with thigh circumference (TC), mid-arm circumference (MAC), calf circumference (CFC) and head circumference (HC). All anthropometric indicators had a statistically significant sensitivity, specificity and predictive value (p < 0.001) for identifying < or =2500 g birth weight babies. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was done to identify the optimal cut-off points of these anthropometric measures separately for LBW babies and <2000 g birth weight babies.


CONCLUSIONS
HC and TC appears to be better indicators for picking up LBW babies and MAC and CFC appears to be better in picking up very LBW babies.
Taksande
A
A
Department of Pediatrics, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha, Maharashtra-442102, India. amar_bharti2000@yahoo.co.uk
Vilhekar
K Y
KY
Chaturvedi
P
P
Gupta
S
S
Deshmukh
P
P
D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods*; D001132:Arm / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002508:Cephalometry; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007866:Leg / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008297:Male; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000379:methods*; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity