Anthropometric measurements can identify small for gestational age newborns: a cohort study in rural Tanzania.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) is associated with increased neonatal mortality and morbidity. In low and middle income countries an accurate gestational age is often not known, making the identification of SGA newborns difficult. Measuring foot length, chest circumference and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) of the newborn have previously been shown to be reasonable methods for detecting low birth weight (< 2500 g) and prematurity (gestational age <  37 weeks). The aim of this study was to investigate if the three anthropometric measurements could also correctly identify SGA newborns.

Methods

In the current study from a rural area of northeastern Tanzania, 376 live newborns had foot length, chest circumference, and MUAC measured within 24 h of birth. Gestationa

SUBMITTER: Paulsen CB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6477730 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature