SynthesisBMJ paediatrics open2024
Feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of neonatal anthropometric measurements in identifying low birthweight and preterm infants in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in BMJ paediatrics open, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Nutrition assessment of hospitalized very preterm infants: Best practices for accurate anthropometry in neonatal intensive care unit settings.Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition · 2025Guideline
- Diagnostic accuracy of newborn foot length measurement in identifying low birth weight and preterm infants in Sidama Region, Ethiopia.BMJ paediatrics open · 2025Article
- Article
- Anthropometric measurements as surrogate for identifying low birth weight: comparison with gold standard of measuring weight among neonates at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania.BMC pediatrics · 2025Article
- Accuracy and utility of newborn foot length screening tools to identify small babies by mothers in Sidama Region, Ethiopia.BMJ paediatrics open · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundComplications of prematurity are the leading cause of under-5 mortality globally and 80% of newborn deaths are of low birth weight (LBW) babies. Early identification of LBW and preterm infants is crucial to initiate timely interventions.
objectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of alternative neonatal anthropometric measurements in identifying LBW and preterm infants in Africa.
methodsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of infant foot length, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), head and chest circumferences against birth weight and gestational age. Pooled correlation between the index and the reference methods was estimated. Multiple anthropometric thresholds were considered in estimating the pooled sensitivity, specificity and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
results21 studies from 8 African countries met the inclusion criteria. Correlation coefficients with birth weight were 0.79 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.85) for chest circumference, 0.71 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.78) for MUAC and 0.66 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.73) for foot length. Foot length measured by rigid ruler showed a higher correlation than tape measurement. Chest circumference with 28.8 cm cut-off detects LBW babies with AUC value of 0.92 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.97). Foot length identified preterm infants, with 82% sensitivity, 89% specificity and AUC of 0.91 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.98) at a 7.2 cm optimal cut-off point. MUAC had an AUC of 0.83 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.95) for preterm detection. In identifying LBW babies, foot length and MUAC have AUC values of 0.89 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.96) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.97) at 7.3 cm and 9.8 cm optimal cut-off points, respectively. Foot length and MUAC are relatively simple and minimise the risk of exposing infants to cold.
conclusionNewborn foot length, MUAC, head and chest circumferences have comparable diagnostic accuracy in identifying LBW and preterm babies. Using foot length and MUAC in low-resource settings are the most feasible proxy measures for screening where weighing scales are not available. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023454497.
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