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Evidence of growth retardation in neonates of apparently normal weight
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Physiology, St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College, London, UK.
Insights
Ponderal index (PI) and mid-arm to occipito-frontal circumference ratio (MAC/OFC) correlate with infant birthweight. These measurements can identify growth-retarded infants among those with normal birthweight, suggesting a need for targeted care.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Growth and Development
Background:
- Accurate assessment of neonatal growth is crucial for identifying potential health issues.
- Traditional birthweight standards may not capture all infants experiencing suboptimal growth.
- Ponderal index (PI) and mid-arm to occipito-frontal circumference ratio (MAC/OFC) are anthropometric measures used in neonatal assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between ponderal index (PI) and the ratio of mid-arm circumference to occipito-frontal circumference (MAC/OFC) with delivered infant birthweight.
- To determine if PI and MAC/OFC can identify growth-retarded neonates within the 'normal' birthweight range.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of ponderal index (PI) and MAC/OFC were taken from 160 singleton neonates.
- Infants included had a birthweight exceeding 2500 g and gestational age of 37 weeks or more.
- Statistical analysis was performed to assess the correlation between these anthropometric indices and birthweight.
Main Results:
- A highly significant positive correlation was observed between ponderal index (PI) and birthweight.
- A significant positive correlation was also found between the MAC/OFC ratio and birthweight.
- These findings indicate that PI and MAC/OFC are reliable indicators related to neonatal weight.
Conclusions:
- Ponderal index (PI) values should be interpreted in the context of birthweight, not against a universal standard.
- Measurement of PI and MAC/OFC can help identify growth-retarded infants who appear to have normal birthweight.
- This identified group of infants may benefit from specialized care typically provided to low birthweight neonates.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of ponderal index (PI) and the ratio of mid-arm circumference to occipito-frontal circumference (MAC/OFC) to the delivered weight of the child. Measurements were made on 160 singleton neonates with birthweight greater than 2500 g and delivery at 37 weeks or more. Surprisingly, there was a highly significant correlation between PI and birthweight and MAC/OFC and birthweight. We conclude that: (1) values of PI must be evaluated in relation to birthweight, and not against a single absolute standard for the whole normal population; (2) measurement of PI and MAC/OFC may reveal a group of growth-retarded infants amongst infants of apparently 'normal' birthweight; and (3) this group of infants might be a target for the extra care normally accorded to the low birthweight infant.