Volume : V, Issue : III, March - 2016

COMPARISON OF VARIOUS ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS AS PREDICTORS OF THE BIRTH WEIGHT IN NEWBORNS

Dr. Kulkarni Y R

Abstract :

 Birth weight is a most reliable and sensitive indicator of the neonatal health. There is high prevalence of low birth weight babies (30% to 40%) in India as compared to the developed countries (5% to 7%). A major factor contributing to high prevalence of low birth weight is failure to identify high risk babies and to institute timely management. There is constant search for the newer, simpler and better methods to identify low birth weight babies, which can be used by the traditional birth attendants or the people attending the deliveries at home. Neonatal anthropometry is a simple reliable and reproducible method that can be used to identify low birth weight babies. Aim: To find out the anthropometric parameter that can best identify low birth weight babies Method: This observational, crosssectional study included total 306 full term, normal, singleton newborns (163 male & 143 female). Each was subjected to anthropometric measurements like birth weight, crown to heel length and circumference of head, chest, mid arm, abdomen, thigh & calf. Analysis of the data was done by using statistical methods like Mean & Standard deviation, Correlation, Step–down multiple regression analysis, linear regression analysis, sensitivity & specificity. Results & conclusion: The mean birth weight of male newborns was higher (2719.3 gm) as compared to the female newborns (2597.6 gm). Statistically significant difference was observed in the mean values of crown to heel length and head circumference (P<0.001). Highest correlation of birth weight was observed with mid arm circumference and calf circumference in either sexes. Chest circumference (Mean critical limit = 29.3 cm) has the best sensitivity and specificity in predicting the low birth weight babies regardless of the sex, followed by the crown to heel length.

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijsr  

Cite This Article:

Dr. Kulkarni Y R COMPARISON OF VARIOUS ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS AS PREDICTORS OF THE BIRTH WEIGHT IN NEWBORNS International Journal of Scientific Research, Vol : 5, Issue : 3 March 2016

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