Developing nomogram to estimate birth weight from head circumference and mid-upper arm circumference.

BACKGROUND Despite the huge proportion of the babies in the developing world being born low birthweight, only about half of the newborns are weighed at birth as weighing scales often tend to be either non-available or defective. OBJECTIVE Designing a nomogram for estimation of birthweight from head circumference (HC) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). METHOD Birthweight, HC and MUAC of 500 newborns who were admitted in the baby nursery of Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata between July 2010 to December 2010 were measured. RESULTS Multiple linear regression equation for prediction of birth weight from MUAC and HC was derived and a nomogram was constructed from the same. CONCLUSION The birthweight estimation nomogram is an inexpensive and convenient tool for use in the community setting where weighing machines may not be always available and may thus allow prompt and early referral.