Anthropometric reference curves for term neonates born at 3400 meters above sea level

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Neonatal Growth Assessment
• High-Altitude Physiology

Background:

• Accurate anthropometric data is vital for assessing neonatal health and development.
• Limited data exists on newborn growth parameters at high altitudes.
• Establishing reference standards is essential for clinical practice and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish reference curves for key anthropometric measurements in term newborns.
• To define the 3rd, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 97th percentiles for weight, length, head circumference (HC), ponderal index (PI), and head circumference for birthweight index (HCBWI).
• To provide sex-specific reference data for newborns born at 3400m above sea level.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, retrospective, and transverse study was conducted.
• Data was collected from 7635 eligible newborns (singleton, term gestation, no structural anomalies) at Adolfo Guevara Velazco National Hospital.
• Polynomial models were utilized to construct percentile curves.

Main Results:

• Reference curves were successfully developed for weight, length, HC, PI, and HCBWI.
• Specific percentile values (3rd, 10th, 50th, 90th, 97th) were determined for each parameter.
• The study provides a comprehensive dataset for high-altitude newborn anthropometry.

Conclusions:

• Novel reference curves for weight, length, head circumference (HC), ponderal index (PI), and HCBWI have been established for term newborns born at 3400m.
• These curves are sex-specific and represent critical percentiles for clinical evaluation.
• The findings offer valuable tools for monitoring and assessing neonatal growth in high-altitude environments.