Systematic review of the methodological quality of studies designed to create neonatal anthropometric charts

Babies all over the world are assessed at birth using neonatal anthropometric charts as a matter of clinical routine. This systematic review evaluated the methodological quality of studies designed to create neonatal anthropometric charts and to highlight features in the charts that could affect clinical decision-making and comparisons between populations. The variety and quality of available charts could affect how newborns at risk are identified, together with the indications for treatment, especially nutritional interventions.

The studies that generated the charts currently recommended for clinical use have major methodological limitations and international and regional comparisons are very difficult.