Surrogate Anthropometric Parameters for Assessment of Low Birth Weight Babies

摘要

Introduction: Low Birth Weight (LBW) accounts for significant proportion of infants and under five mortality. Screening of LBW babies in peripheral areas with poor facilities, with surrogate anthropometric parameters is necessary to prevent morbidity. Aim: To evaluate calf circumference and other anthropometric parameters as a measure of LBW. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study including consecutive live newborn admitted to tertiary hospital, Mumbai, from June 2014 to June 2015. All anthropometric measurements were carried out within 24 hours of birth. Birth weight was measured using digital weighing scale and calf circumference, thigh circumference, Head Circumference (HC), Chest Circumference (CC) and Mid Arm Circumference (MAC) measured according to standard guidelines. Results: Overall prevalence of LBW was 6.8%. All anthropometric indicators had a statistically significant sensitivity, specificity and predictive value (p0.001) for LBW babies. However, predictive accuracy of calf circumference was found to be the highest. Conclusion: Calf circumference and other surrogate parameters can be employed as standard anthropometric parameter for identification of LBW babies especially in the peripheral health centers.