Regression Equations of Proxy Measurements of Birth Weight in Preterm Neonates

Introduction: Globally 17% of approximately 142 million newborns have Low Birth Weight. World health report has stated the occurrence of low birth weight in India to be approximately 33% (2). Low birth weight or prematurity contributes to higher mortality in neonates many developing countries. The research aimed to find the proxy measurements for birth weight that is appropriate, practicable and cost effective. Methods: This study was undertaken in Sassoon General Hospitals, Pune. Block number 20, was the mainstay of this study where all postnatal mothers with their neonates are kept together. Study considered all babies born at < 37 weeks of gestation with weight less than 2500 gm during study period that is from 1 st January 2004 to 30 th June 2004. Therefore sample size obtained was 74. All measurements were taken by standard procedures. Signs of prematurity were studied. Results: In premature babies, the correlation between FL and LBW (r = 0.95) and FL and CHL (0.96) was pronounced. Birth weight and CHL of premature babies can therefore been estimated from these measurements. Birth weight showed highly significant relation (p<o.oo1) with all studied anthropometric measurements in preterm neonates in present study. Coefficient of variation and correlation coefficient were highly significant for all anthropometric parameters studied in preterm. Conclusion: All studied anthropometric measurements can be used as proxy measurement in preterm neonates.