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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 5, Issue 2, 2012 pp 91-93

Research Article

Role of Neonatal Foot Length as Alternative Predictor of Low Birth Weight

Holambe V. M.*, Kakrani V. A. **, Godale L. B.***

{*Assistant Professor, ***Associate Professor and Head} Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Government Medical College, Latur, Maharashtra, INDIA.

**Professor and Head, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dr D Y Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, INDIA.


Academic Editor: Dr. Aher K. .R.

Abstract

 

Introduction: LBW is the major public health problem in India. The perinatal mortality in LBW babies is 8 times higher than that in infants weighing more than 2500gms. 74% of India’s population lives in rural areas. Most of the deliveries in rural areas conducted at home by untrained relatives and dais where weight recording is a problem. Aim and objective: To overcome the logistic problems associated with weighing the newborns in the field, a study was undertaken to assess the usefulness of neonatal foot length (FL) as an alternative to birth weight in identifying low birth weight babies specially below 2000 gms. Methods: nine hundred and thirty four live born neonates having weight below 2500 gms were studied at Sassoon general hospital, block no 20, the postnatal wing where the neonates are kept with their mothers. Birth weight and FL were recorded within 24 – 48 hrs of birth by standard procedures. Results: results showed significant correlation between birth weight and FL (r=0.70). The correlation was significant in preterm neonates (r=0.54). Mean weight of LBW babies was 2183.88 ± 255.04 gms. the mean birth weight of preterm newborn was 1856.8 ±249.4 gms. The mean FL was 6.67 ± 0.47 cm. the mean FL of preterm newborns was 6.21 ± 0.28 cm. sensitivity and specificity of FL at cut off point of < 6.75 cm for identifying low birth weight babies specially below 2000 gms was 92.8% and 65% respectively. Conclusion: Measurement of FL being simple alternate,low cost, reliable, and practicable method for identification of LBW babies specially below 2000 gms can be used by a person with little training in community.