Ponderal index of low birth weight babies--a hospital based study.

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.