Improving the assessment of gestational age in a Zimbabwean population
Feresu, S.A.; Gillespie, B.W.; Sowers, M.F.; Johnson, T.R.B.; Welch, K.; Harlow, S.D.
International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 78(1): 7-18
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7292 PMID: 12113965 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7292(02)00094-2Document Number: 242522
To evaluate the performance and the utility of using birthweight-adjusted scores of Dubowitz and Ballard methods of estimating gestational age in a Zimbabwean population. The Dubowitz and the Ballard methods of estimating gestational age were administered to 364 African newborn infants with a known last menstrual period (LMP) at Harare Maternity Hospital. Both methods were good predictors of gestational age useful in differentiating term from pre-term infants. Our regression line was Y((LMP gestational age))=23.814+0.301*score for the Dubowitz and Y((LMP gestational age))=24.493+0.420*score for the Ballard method. Addition of birthweight to the regression models improved prediction of gestational age; Y((LMP gestational age))=23.512+0.219*score+0.0015*grams for Dubowitz and Y((LMP gestational age))=24.002+0.292*score+0.0016*grams for Ballard method. We recommend the use of our birthweight-adjusted maturity scales; the Dubowitz for studies of prematurity, and the Ballard for routine clinical practice.