Dure Samin Akram, Fehmina Arif.
Ponderal index of low birth weight babies - a hospital based study.
J Pak Med Assoc Jan ;55(6):229-31.

Objective: To determine the ratio of disproportionate versus proportionate Intra uterine growth retardation among low birth weight babies using the Ponderal index. Methods: This was a retrospective study Medical records of babies with weight <2.5kg delivered in the Obstetric Department were reviewed. The ponderal index was calculated to determine disproportionate and proportionate intra uterine growth retardation among low birth weight babies. Results: A total of 227 babies were included. Male and Female ratio was equal. Sixty seven percent were delivered vaginally. Only 12 mothers (5.3%) had a history of maternal illness. Eighty nine low birth weight babies (39.9%) had a low ponderal index. Ponderal index in fullterm babies was <2.2 in 54.3% and in pre-term <2.0 in 34.9%. Conclusion: Nearly 40% of low birth weight babies had disproportionate body proportions. This group of babies according to foetal origins of diseases may be predisposed to Diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease.

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