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Birth anthropometric parameters in high and low altitude areas of Southwest Saudi Arabia

Mohamed A Al-Shehri1, Mostafa A Abolfotouh, Mohamed A Dalak

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, PO Box 641, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Fariss2000@yahoo.com

Saudi Medical Journal
|May 19, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Southwestern Saudi newborns are lighter and shorter than reference populations, with a high incidence of low birth weight (LBW), particularly in high-altitude areas. Ponderal index shows a strong association with birth weight, suggesting its utility when gestational age is unknown.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neonatology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Anthropometric parameters of newborns are crucial indicators of health and development.
  • Regional variations in altitude may influence neonatal anthropometry and birth outcomes.
  • Understanding these variations is essential for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess anthropometric parameters of newborns in high-altitude (Abha) versus sea-level (Baish) areas of Southwestern Saudi Arabia.
  • To compare these parameters with US CDC 2000 growth charts.
  • To determine the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) in the study population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study included 4300 births in Abha and 1200 in Baish (2001-2003).
  • Measurements included birth weight, crown-heel length, and occipitofrontal head circumference for term births.
  • Low birth weight (LBW) was defined as <2,500 grams; Ponderal Index (PI) was calculated.

Main Results:

  • Southwestern Saudi newborns were lighter and shorter than NCHS reference newborns, with smaller head circumference.
  • Abha newborns exhibited significantly lower mean weight and length compared to Baish newborns.
  • The overall incidence of LBW was 24.6%, higher in Abha (25.7%) than Baish (20.7%).

Conclusions:

  • Neonates in Southwestern Saudi Arabia are smaller than reference populations, with high LBW rates, especially in high-altitude regions.
  • Intra-uterine growth retardation of secondary type is a possible cause for these findings.
  • Ponderal Index is a reliable indicator of birth weight, useful when gestational age is unavailable.
Abstract

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