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Published on: June 29, 2013
Symphysis-fundal measurement as a predictor of low birthweight
B S Jeffery1, R C Pattinson, J Makin
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kalafong Hospital, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X396, Pretoria 0001, South Africa. bridgetj@kalafong.up.ac.za
Objective:
To prospectively test the value of a symphysis-fundal measurement in labor of less than or equal to 29 cm as a predictor of birth mass below 2000 g.
Method:
Women admitted to Kalafong Hospital in labor with a singleton pregnancy were included in the study. Symphysis-fundal measurement according to the method of Westin was performed on two separate occasions and recorded together with other pertinent details. A receiver-operator curve was constructed to test various cut-off measurements.
Results:
A total of 1216 women were included in the study. One hundred twenty-one fetuses had a birth mass less than 2000 g (10%). A measurement of less than or equal to 29 cm had a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 98% with a positive predictive value of 81% and a negative predictive value of 97%. On the receiver-operator curve a cutoff of 30 cm showed a better sensitivity with little loss of specificity.
Conclusion:
A symphysis-fundal measurement of less than or equal to 29 cm is a good predictor of birth mass less than 2000 g and can be used as an indication for referral to centres with neonatal facilities.
