Diagnostic accuracy of foot length measurement for identification of preterm newborn in rural Sindh, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Assessing gestational age accurately is crucial for saving preterm newborns. In low and middle-income countries, such as Pakistan, where access to antenatal ultrasonography (A-USG) is limited, alternative methods are needed. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of foot length (FL) measurement for identifying preterm newborns in rural Pakistan using A-USG as the reference standard.

Methods

A test validation study was conducted between January and June 2023 in rural Sindh, Pakistan, within the catchment area of the Global Network for Maternal Newborn Health Registry, Thatta. Singleton newborns whose mothers had an A-USG before 20 weeks of gestation were enrolled. A research assistant measured FL three times using a rigid transparent plastic ruler within 48

SUBMITTER: Tikmani SS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10824045 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature