Postnatal foot length in the estimation of gestational age in relation to intrauterine growth pattern among Nigerian neonates

TL;DR

This study shows that measuring a newborn's foot length can help estimate how long they were in the womb, especially for babies who are smaller than expected.

Contribution

The study introduces a strong correlation between postnatal foot length and gestational age, particularly for small-for-gestational-age infants.

Findings

Postnatal foot length strongly correlates with estimated gestational age (r = 0.855, p < 0.001).

The correlation is strongest for Small for Gestational Age (SGA) infants (r = 0.936).

Abstract

To determine the relationship between postnatal foot lengths and estimated gestational age (EGA) in relation to intrauterine growth patterns determined at birth among Nigerian neonates.

Hospital-based, cross-sectional.

Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria.

260 neonates with EGA 30- 42 weeks within 48 hours of life.

Postnatal foot lengths (FL) were measured with Vernier digital calliper in millimetres. The intra-uterine growth pattern was determined using the Lubchenco chart. Pearson correlation and regression analysis tests were performed.

Postnatal foot length in relation to Intra-Uterine Growth Pattern

The mean postnatal FL had a strong positive correlation with the EGA from 30 through 42 weeks (r = 0.855, p < 0.001). The overall mean foot length for preterm neonates was 65.44 (6.92) mm, while that of term neonates was 77.92 (4.24) mm. The linear regression equation was generated as: EGA = 9.43 + (0.37 × FL), p < 0.001. The EGA as measured by FL had the highest positive correlation with Small for Gestational Age (SGA) intra-uterine-growth pattern, followed by Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA) and least by Large for Gestational Age (LGA) respectively (r = 0.936> 0.861 > 0.666).

The postnatal foot length correlated well with estimated gestational age, and the correlation was best among SGA infants.

None declared

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