Accurate measurements of both healthy and premature neonates are possi
ble but rarely performed. Routine anthropometry is often not performed
at all or with large measurement errors due to inadequate training of
personnel or inappropriate equipment. Sick neonates are often conside
red unsuitable for anthropometry and growth is wrongly equated with we
ight gain. Gain in length may be disturbed by poor health and permanen
t extrauterine growth retardation and changes in body proportions indu
ced in some survivors of neonatal intensive care. Drug treatments may
have profound effects on length gain and the relationship of length to
weight.