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Ethnic variations in birthweight percentiles in Kuwait
M M Alshimmiri1, M S Hammoud, E A Al-Saleh
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabria, Kuwait. majed@hsc.kuniv.edu.kw
Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology
|November 25, 2003
Summary
Birthweight percentiles vary significantly by ethnicity. Locally derived, ethnically specific birthweight charts are crucial for accurately assessing fetal growth and identifying small-for-gestational-age (SGA) or large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Research
- Human Growth and Development
Background:
- Birthweight is a key indicator of fetal health.
- Existing birthweight references may not accurately reflect diverse ethnic populations.
- Accurate assessment of fetal growth is vital for optimal neonatal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of ethnicity on birthweight percentiles in Kuwait.
- To compare ethnic-specific birthweight percentiles with international references.
- To develop locally relevant birthweight charts for diverse ethnic groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 35,768 singleton live births in Kuwait.
- Exclusion of births with inaccurate gestational age or abnormalities.
- Development of ethnic-specific smoothed birthweight percentiles by gestational age.
Main Results:
- Significant ethnic variations in birthweight were observed.
- Indian-Asian infants had the lowest birthweights and highest small-for-gestational-age (SGA) rates.
- Egyptian infants had the highest birthweights and lowest SGA rates.
- International references showed poor prediction rates for SGA and sensitivity for identifying large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants across all ethnic groups.
Conclusions:
- Interpretation of fetal growth requires locally derived, ethnically specific birthweight percentiles.
- Standard international references are inadequate for assessing birthweight in Kuwait's diverse population.
- Accurate gestational age calculation is essential for reliable birthweight assessment.