title: [Weight/head circumference ratio at birth for assessing fetal growth].
abstract: The objective of this study was to use weight/head circumference ratio at birth to assess fetal growth. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Zona da Mata, Pernambuco State, Brazil, with 915 term infants. Infants' anthropometric measurements and data on prenatal care, smoking during pregnancy, family income, and maternal schooling and nutritional status were collected in the first 24 hours after birth. Infants were classified as proportionate (weight/head circumference ratio ≥ 0.90) versus disproportionate (< 0.90). Lower mean weight/head circumference ratio was associated with maternal smoking, younger age, inadequate prenatal care, and low BMI, height, and triceps skinfold thickness. Mean weight, length, head and chest circumference, arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness were lower among infants with disproportionate weight/head circumference ratio, independently of sex. In conclusion, weight/head circumference ratio and birth weight are important indicators of fetal growth.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brasil.
authors.forename: Fabiana Cristina Lima da Silva Pastich
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Gonçalves
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brasil.
authors.forename: Pedro Israel Cabral de
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Lira
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brasil.
authors.forename: Sophie Helena
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Eickmann
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brasil.
authors.forename: Marilia de Carvalho
authors.initials: Mde C
authors.lastname: Lima
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight; D001835:Body Weight; D001938:Brazil; D002508:Cephalometry; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors