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[Use of mid-arm and head circumference to estimate gestational age and nutritional status of newborns]
M Gołebiowska1, I Ligenza, I Kobierska
1Propedeutyki Pediatrii Instytutu Pediatrii Akademii Medycznej, Lodzi.
Insights
The mid-upper arm circumference to head circumference (MAC/HC) ratio effectively estimates gestational age in newborns. This simple measurement also helps identify neonates at risk, aiding in early nutritional status assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Biometry
Context:
- Accurate gestational age estimation is crucial for neonatal care and risk assessment.
- Traditional methods may have limitations in certain clinical settings.
- Nutritional status assessment in neonates requires reliable indicators.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the utility of the mid-upper arm circumference to head circumference (MAC/HC) ratio for estimating gestational age in neonates.
- To assess the correlation of the MAC/HC ratio with established indicators of neonatal nutritional status, including birth weight, skin fold score, and ponderal index.
- To determine the optimal range and trend of the MAC/HC ratio across different gestational ages.
Summary:
- A study involving 1110 neonates (30-42 weeks estimated gestational age) measured upper mid-arm circumference (MAC) and head circumference (HC) on day one.
- The MAC/HC ratio demonstrated a linear increase from 30 to 38 weeks of gestation, stabilizing thereafter (38-42 weeks).
- This ratio showed potential as a tool for estimating gestational age and identifying neonates at risk.
Impact:
- The MAC/HC ratio offers a simple, non-invasive method for gestational age assessment in newborns.
- This biometric ratio can aid in the early identification of neonates requiring closer monitoring or intervention.
- Findings support the integration of the MAC/HC ratio into routine neonatal assessments for improved risk stratification and care.
Abstract:
1110 neonates, from 30 to 42 of estimated gestational age (EGA) were measured on the 1st day of life to estimate upper mid-arm circumference (MAC) and head circumference (HC). Individual MAC/HC ratio was calculated. MAC/HC ratio was used to estimate gestational age and nutritional status of the newborns. We proved that MAC/HC ratio increased linearly between 30 and 38 week of pregnancy and it stabilized between 38-42 week. We compared MAC/HC ratio with birth weight, skin fold score, and ponderal index. We concluded that this ratio may be very useful to estimate gestational age and to include the neonates to "the group of risk".