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Head and chest circumferences as predictors of low birth weight in Indian babies
S S Verma1, A K Ghadiok, N Kishore
1Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences, Delhi, India.
Insights
Predicting low birth weight (LBW) is crucial for infant health. This study found head and chest circumferences to be the best simple, non-invasive predictors for estimating LBW when direct weighing is not possible.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) is a significant global health concern, impacting infant mortality and morbidity.
- Accurate and timely assessment of birth weight is essential for appropriate neonatal care.
- Direct weighing at birth can be challenging in resource-limited settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify optimal anthropometric predictors for the indirect estimation of low birth weight (LBW).
- To evaluate the efficacy of body length, head circumference, and chest circumference for LBW prediction.
- To develop a practical tool for estimating LBW in situations where direct measurement is not feasible.
Main Methods:
- Multivariate regression analysis was employed to assess the predictive power of individual anthropometric measurements.
- Data from 422 Indian infants were analyzed to determine the best combination of predictors.
- A nomogram was constructed based on selected anthropometric measurements for LBW prediction.
Main Results:
- Head and chest circumferences emerged as the most effective combination of predictors for estimating birth weight.
- These measurements offer a simple and non-invasive method for LBW assessment.
- The developed nomogram provides a quick procedure for predicting LBW.
Conclusions:
- Head and chest circumferences are reliable indirect indicators for estimating low birth weight.
- The developed nomogram offers a valuable tool for healthcare providers in diverse settings.
- This method enhances the feasibility of LBW assessment, particularly when direct weighing is impractical.
Abstract:
This study attempts to select predictors for indirect estimation of low birth weight from three important anthropometric measurements (viz. body length, head and chest circumferences) taken at birth. The data of 422 Indian low birth weight babies have been used to select the best combination of predictors by examining the separate effect of each of the three concomitant variables on birth weight using the technique of multivariate regression analysis. The combination of head and chest circumferences was found to be the best combination of predictors for estimation of birth weight in view of the simplicity and non-invasiveness of measuring these two body circumferences. A nomogram has also been constructed to predict low birth weight from head and chest circumferences. This nomogram will serve as a simple and quick procedure for predicting low birth weight from head and chest circumferences whenever the direct weighing at birth is not feasible.