Weight to length ratio—a good parameter for determining nutritional status in preterm and full?term newborns
Journal
Acta P?diatrica
Journal Volume
82
Journal Issue
5
Pages
427-429
Date Issued
1993
Author(s)
Yau K.T.
Abstract
To identify which parameter showed the strongest correlation with neonatal body fat store, when the ratios for assessing both weight-for-length and the mid-arm circumference to head circumference (MAC/HC) were included in the analysis, body anthropometrics and skinfold thickness were measured in 250 full-term and 125 preterm infants. Among the study cases, 66.7% were appropriate for gestational age, 26.7% were small for gestational age and 6.7% were large for gestational age. Sum of the skinfold thickness measured at the midtricepital and subscapular areas correlated well with body anthropometrics, weight/length ratio, body mass index, ponderal index and mid-arm circumference to head circumference ratio. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that the weight/length ratio correlated best with skinfold thickness in both full-term and preterm newborn infants. Therefore, the simple weight/length ratio might be useful for evaluation of the nutritional status of intrauterine growth, and in the prediction of metabolic complications in both full-term and preterm newborns with abnormal intrauterine growth.
SDGs
Type
journal article