Maximum thigh circumference as an indicator of birth weight
Mattoo, G.M.; Bhat, I.A.; Shah, G.N.; Dhar, G.M.
Indian Journal of Maternal and Child Health Official Publication of Indian Maternal and Child Health Association 2(2): 42
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0970-8928 PMID: 12320286 Document Number: 338374
This study had the objective of estimating the strength of association between birth weight and maximum thigh circumference (MTC), sole length, and mid arm circumference (MAC), and on the basis of positive correlation, to identify the ideal anthropometric measurement that can give a reasonable estimate of the birth weight, especially where weight measurement facilities are nonexistent. A random sample of 75 singleton normal neonates was studied who had normal birth in the maternity hospital of the S.K. Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir, India, in the first half of 1990. The anthropometric measurements recorded within 24 hours of birth were birth weight, MTC, MAC, and sole length using the left arm and foot. The mean +or- SEM values derived were 3.20 +or- 0.05 kg for weight, 14.68 +or- 0.14 cm for MTC, 7.71 +or- 0.05 cm for sole length, and 9.55 +or- 0.09 cm for MAC. The correlation coefficients of weight were +0.50 for MTC, +0.16 for sole length, and +0.21 for MAC. Only MTC showed a correlation coefficient value of high significance (p .001). MTC was significantly interrelated and interdependent on birth weight inasmuch as MTC can safely be used as an indicator of birth weight in all situations. On the basis of this observation, a regression equation was developed exhibiting the form: Y = (1.48) x +9.4944, where Y represented the MTC. The corresponding values of MTC for birth weight of 2.5 kg and 2.0 kg obtained were 13.644 cm and 12.904 cm, respectively. The lower values constitute the dividing line for low birth weight babies by Indian standards. The comparable values reported by Sharma (1989) were 14.5 cm and 13.5 cm, respectively, presumably due to higher altitude in Kashmir associated with low birth weight. A graphic representation indicating the critical zone was developed for ready reference of paramedical staff in rural areas where weighing facilities for the newborns are not available. MTC, sole length, and MAC are all positively correlated with birth weight.