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Published on: February 2, 2017
Longitudinal growth of arm circumference in Punjabi infants
1Advanced Pediatric Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160 012, India.
Insights
Mid-upper-arm circumference in Punjabi infants grows rapidly from 1-6 months, then slows. This study provides reference values for monitoring infant growth.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Human Growth and Development
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Infant growth monitoring is crucial for early detection of developmental issues.
- Mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) is a key anthropometric indicator of nutritional status and growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the distance and velocity growth patterns of mid-upper-arm circumference in Punjabi infants.
- To establish reference growth data for MUAC in this population.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study design with monthly follow-ups.
- 154 Punjabi infants (86 male, 68 female) were measured from 1 to 12 months of age.
- Mid-upper-arm circumference was measured monthly by a single investigator.
Main Results:
- MUAC showed rapid increase between 1-6 months, with slower gain in the second half of infancy.
- Total growth was 34.9% in males and 40.2% in females from 1-12 months.
- Statistically significant sex differences favoring males were observed from 1-4 months; monthly growth rates showed a fluctuating pattern.
Conclusions:
- The established MUAC values serve as a valuable reference for monitoring infant growth.
- These data can aid in identifying growth deviations during the first year of life.
Objective:
To study distance and velocity growth pattern of mid-upper-arm-circumference in Punjabi infants.
Design:
Longitudinal, monthly follow up.
Setting:
Growth clinic and homes of subjects.
Sample:
One hundred and fifty four (Male 86, Female 68) Punjabi infants weighing more than 2.5 kg at birth with gestation over 37 weeks.
Methods:
Every subject was measured for mid-upper-arm circumference between 1 to 12 months of age at one monthly intervals by the same investigator with a time tolerance of 3 days on the day of measurement.
Results:
Mid upper arm circumference showed rapid increase between 1 to 6 months whereafter, gain became slower during second half of infancy. It had grown by 34.9% in male and 40.2% in female infants between 1 to 12 months. Sex differences favoring male infants were statistically significant between 1 to 4 months. Monthly growth rates for arm-circumference depicted vascillatory pattern.
Conclusion:
The values presented for arm circumference may be used as reference base to monitor growth of children during infancy.
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