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How useful is knemometry in measuring neonatal growth?
Bronwyn Dixon1, Brian Darlow, Timothy Prickett
1Neonatal Service, Christchurch Womens' Hospital, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Christchurch, New Zealand. bronnyd@clear.net.nz
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|June 19, 2008
Summary
Serial measurement of lower leg length (LLL) using knemometry accurately tracks neonatal growth. However, this method provides minimal additional value to standard growth monitoring practices in neonatal units.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Growth Monitoring
- Biomedical Measurement Techniques
Background:
- Knemometry is an established research tool for measuring linear growth in neonates and children.
- Accurate linear growth assessment is crucial for monitoring infant development and health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of serial lower leg length (LLL) measurements via knemometry in neonatal intensive care units.
- To determine if knemometry offers added value beyond existing growth assessment methods for neonates.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, 1-year hospital-based cohort study.
- Knemometry was used to measure LLL every 3-4 days in neonates.
- Infants were categorized by gestational age, with subgroup analyses for low birth weight, surgical, and antenatal steroid-exposed infants.
Main Results:
- Lower leg length (LLL) measurements demonstrated strong correlations with postmenstrual age (r=0.93) and infant weight (r=0.93).
- The average daily increase in LLL was 0.45 mm (SD 0.7 mm).
Conclusions:
- Changes in LLL correlate well with changes in weight and postmenstrual age during the neonatal period.
- Knemometry offers limited additional information compared to routine growth monitoring practices in neonatal units.
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