Neonatal nutritional assessment by a method independent of precise maturity determination.

Data from a previous study were analysed to develop a new model for neonatal nutritional evaluation which is independent of precise maturity determination. Birth weights and arm/head ratios were recorded for each infant recruited for the study. Both indices were correlated by simple regression analysis with gestational age as the independent variable. Birth weight showed highly significant correlation with gestational age (r = 0.77; P < 0.001). Arm/head ratio was also correlated with birth weight with highly significant correlation coefficient (r = 0.81; P < 0.001). The regression line of arm/head ratio on birth weight, with the demarcated 95 per cent confidence spread, formed the new model for neonatal nutritional assessment. The model had a sensitivity of 80.54 per cent and specificity of 90.22 per cent using nutritional status determined by clinical features as reference. Since the model is independent of precise maturity determination, which limits the potential usefulness of several methods of neonatal nutritional assessment, it is recommended as a rapid, simple, and reliable appropriate health technology for developing communities.