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Normative growth standard for upper arm measurements for exclusively breastfed infants
1Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria.
Insights
This study developed a normogram for upper arm measurements in exclusively breastfed infants. The new tool is clinically useful for evaluating infant growth and development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Growth Monitoring
Background:
- Accurate growth assessment is crucial for exclusively breastfed infants.
- Existing growth charts may not be optimal for this specific population.
- Upper arm measurements offer a valuable anthropometric indicator.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a normogram for upper arm measurements in exclusively breastfed infants.
- To assess the clinical utility of this novel normogram.
- To provide a reliable tool for monitoring infant growth.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Recruited 219 infants for normogram development and 100 for validation.
- Measured upper arm circumference (MAC) and correlated with postnatal age.
Main Results:
- Developed a normogram using regression analysis of MAC on postnatal age.
- Mean MAC increased progressively over the first six months.
- The normogram correctly identified normal growth in 92% of infants in the validation group.
Conclusions:
- The developed upper arm measurement normogram is clinically useful.
- It serves as a valuable tool for evaluating exclusively breastfed infants.
- Supports evidence-based infant nutrition and growth monitoring.
Objective:
To develop a normogram for upper arm measurements for the evaluation of exclusively breastfed infants and to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the normogram.
Design:
A prospective study involving the evaluation of infants discharged from the Newborn Unit and follow-up for the first six months of life while being exclusively breastfed.
Setting:
Neonatal follow up Clinic, University Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria from 1st June, 1995 to 31st May, 1997.
Subjects:
A total of 219 exclusively breastfed infants were recruited and analysed for the development of the normogram. A second group of 100 normal exclusively breastfed infants were evaluated to determine the clinical usefulness of the normogram.
Interventions:
Determination of the upper arm measurement of the infants and development of the normogram using the statistics of the regression analysis of these measurements on postnatal age.
Main Outcome Measures:
Upper arm measurements, mean measurements at each completed month, regression statistics (MAC on postnatal age).
Results:
Mean MAC measurements increased progressively from the first to the sixth completed months. There was a significant difference between the mean measurements at the 4th and 6th completed months. Upper arm measurements showed a highly significant correlation with postnatal age and the regression line and the 95% confidence limits were used to develop the normogram. Of the 100 infants in the second group, 92% had normal infant growth using the normogram.
Conclusion:
The developed normogram of upper arm measurements was evaluated to be clinically useful in exclusively breastfed infants.
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Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...