Anthropometric surrogates for screening of low birth weight newborns: a community-based study.
In developing countries, where about 75% of births occur at home or in the community, logistic problems prevent the weighing of every newborn child. This study compares various anthropometric surrogates for identification of low birth weight neonates. A longitudinal community based study was done in an urban resettlement colony and 283 singleton neonates within 7 days of birth were examined for the anthropometric measurements such as head, chest, mid upper arm circumference and foot length as a screening tool for low birth weight. Chest circumference measured within 7 days of birth appeared to be the most appropriate surrogate of low birth weight with highest sensitivity (75.4%), specificity (78.4%), and positive predictive value (48.9%) as compared with other anthropometric parameters. Low birth weight neonates in absence of weighing scales can be early identified by using simple anthropometric measurements for enhanced home-based care and timely referral.
Maulana Azad Medical College, Rajender Nagar, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. drneeti2003@gmail.com
Neeti
N
Rustagi
J G
JG
Prasuna
D K
DK
Taneja
D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods*; D001132:Arm / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013909:Thorax / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014504:Urban Health