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Updated: Aug 29, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Anthropometric measurements in the detection of low birth weight infants in Lagos
V C Ezeaka1, M T Egri-Okwaji, J K Renner
1Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Idi-Araba, Lagos.
Insights
Anthropometric measurements like occipitofrontal circumference, length, and mid-arm circumference can identify infants with low birth weight (LBW). These indicators help in early detection and care to prevent mortality and developmental issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) is a significant risk factor for infant mortality and developmental issues.
- Accurate and timely identification of LBW infants is crucial for effective intervention and care.
- Existing methods for LBW detection may require further refinement for broader applicability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate anthropometric measurements as risk indicators for detecting low birth weight (LBW) infants.
- To establish specific anthropometric cut-off values for identifying infants with birth weights below 2500g and 2000g.
- To assess the utility of these indicators in improving newborn screening and care.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 788 singleton live-born infants.
- Standardized anthropometric measurements (occipitofrontal circumference, length, mid-arm circumference, maximum thigh circumference) were taken within 24 hours of birth.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine correlations and optimal cut-off values for LBW detection.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between birth weight and occipitofrontal circumference (OFC), length, mid-arm circumference (MAC), and maximum thigh circumference (MTC) (p < 0.001).
- Specific cut-off values were identified: OFC (33.6/32.3 cm), length (47.7/45.5 cm), MAC (9.6/9.1 cm), and MTC (15.5/14.9 cm) for <2500g and <2000g birth weights, respectively.
- These anthropometric indicators demonstrated good sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for LBW detection.
Conclusions:
- Anthropometric measurements serve as valuable and accessible risk indicators for identifying LBW infants.
- The established cut-off values can aid healthcare providers in early detection and targeted interventions.
- Utilizing these indicators can contribute to reducing infant mortality and preventing postnatal developmental retardation.
Abstract:
The present study was undertaken to determine the anthropometric risk indicators in the detection of infants with low birth weight. A total of 788 consecutive, singleton, live born infants had anthropometric measurements determined within 24 hours of life using standard methods. There were 389 (49.37%) males and 399 (50.63%) females; 136 (17.56%) of the infants were of low birth weight (LBW). Birthweight was significantly correlated with occipitofrontal circumference (OFC; r = 0.66), length (r = 0.86), mid-arm circumference (MAC; r = 0.88) and maximum thigh circumference (MTC; r = 0.95) (p < 0.001). Furthermore, OFC of 33.6 cm and 32.3 cm, length of 47.7 cm and 45.5 cm, MAC of 9.6 cm and 9.1 cm, and MTC values of 15.5 cm and 14.9 cm were the corresponding cut-off values with the best combination of sensitivity, specificity and predictive values (p < 0.001) for identifying infants with birth weights of < 2500 g and < 2000 g respectively. The use of these risk indicators would help to identify newborns for close supervision and care, as well as prevent mortality and postnatal developmental retardation.
