Abstract

OLUWAFEMI, O; NJOKANMA, F; DISU, E  and  OGUNLESI, T. The current pattern of gestational age-related anthropometric parameters of term Nigerian neonates. S. Afr. j. child health [online]. 2013, vol.7, n.3, pp.95-99. ISSN 1999-7671.

BACKGROUND: Weight and length at birth reflect the quality of intra-uterine growth and exert a strong influence on postnatal survival. OBJECTIVE: To determine the current range of anthropometric measurements of term Nigerian neonates. METHODS: Consecutive term singleton mother-baby pairs were surveyed in the first 24 hours after birth. Weight, length, occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) and ponderal index were determined. RESULTS: A total of 825 babies (440 males and 385 females) were studied. The overall mean birth weight (± standard deviation (SD)) of the study subjects was 3 233±539 g, the mean ±SD length 49.0±2.5 cm, the mean ±SD OFC 34.6±1.4 cm, and the mean ±SD ponderal index 2.7±0.4 g/cm³. CONCLUSION: The anthropometric parameters of the Nigerian infants studied were within the range previously reported for Africa and other developing countries, but lower than figures from some developed countries.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )