Abstract

SANCHEZ JAEGER, Armando; DEL REAL VARGAS, Sara Irene; SOLANO RODRIGUEZ, Liseti  and  PENA PERDOMO, Evelyn. Divergencias en la clasificación antropométrica de recién nacidos a término según diferentes valores de referencia. An Venez Nutr [online]. 2006, vol.19, n.1, pp.5-9. ISSN 0798-0752.

Abstract To examine discrepancies in the anthropometric classifications of at term newborns using different reference values, 102 newborns were studied, from a public Maternity Hospital in Valencia Venezuela (1998-2000). Weight, height, and mid-upper arm circumference were assessed. "Weight for gestational age" was used as an indicator for anthropometric classification, using the Venezuelan reference of Henríquez; as well as Lubchenco’s and William’s, this last recommended by WHO. The Capurro method was used to assess gestational age, including in the study only those infants born at 40 weeks. Newborns, whose birth weight was £ the 10th percentile of the different reference values, were considered small for gestational age (SGA). Those with birth weight ³ the 90th percentile were classified as large for gestational age (LGA). Kappa coefficient was used to determine which of the references showed the best agreement. The SGA newborn prevalence was higher when using William’s reference (25.5%), followed by Lubchenco’s (16.7%), and Henríquez’s with the lowest prevalence (13.7%). The best agreement was between Henríquez and Lubchenco (Kappa= 0.71). Opposite results were found for LGA newborns. This study showed discrepancies in the newborns’ anthropometric classification when using local and international reference values, suggesting the need to identify the reference that provides an adequate nutritional diagnosis.

Keywords : Newborn; anthropometry; reference values.