Mid-arm circumference at birth as predictor of low birth weight and neonatal mortality

In Bangladesh, like other developing countries, most births occur at home o r in the community, so logistic problems and taboos prevent the weighing of every newborn child. This study was performed to see whether other simpler measurements could be substituted for weight to identify neonates of low b irth weight, A total of 1676 live births at die Chittagong Medical. College Hospital constituted the study sample, and this showed a high correlation between mid-arm circumference and birth weight (r=0.792, p<0.000). A mid-ar m circumference of <9.0 cm had the best sensitivity and specificity for ide ntifying newborns with a birth weight of less than 2500 g. These neonates w ere followed up to record neonatal deaths. Neonatal mortality showed an inv erse relation with mid-arm circumference. A mid-arm circumference of <9.0 c m and a birth weight of <2500 g were equally useful in predicting neonatal outcome. Mid-arm circumference is a simple, quick and reliable indicator fo r predicting low birth weight and neonatal outcome, and can be easily measu red by medical practitioners and traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in the community of developing countries like Bangladesh.