The utility of Foot Length as a Non-Invasive Anthropometric Measurement in Neonates Admitted in NICU in A Tertiary Care Centre in North Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: Most newborns in NICU would be on respiratory support either on invasive or non-invasive ventilation and it is difficult to measure anthropometries like weight, length and head circumference in these sick newborns. This study was aimed to determine the correlation of foot length of a newborn with occipitofrontal head circumference (OFC), crown-heel length (CHL) and weight of the newborn. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the NICU of Shri B M Patil Medical College Hospital and Research center, Vijayapura. The foot length, occipitofrontal head circumference (OFC) and crown-heel length (CHL) of neonates of gestational ages 28-42 weeks were measured between 12 hours and 7 days of life. Results: Among 350 neonates enrolled, 61% of babies were preterm and 39% were term babies. In premature babies, the correlation between foot length and birth weight (r=0.90) and foot length and length (r=0.89) was pronounced. A positive linear correlation was observed between foot length and weight in babies of all gestational ages. For the identification of LBW babies (<2500 gm), a foot length of less than 7.41cm had 94% sensitivity and 50% specificity. Foot length less than 6.62 cm had 100% sensitivity and 67% specificity for the identification of VLBW babies (<1500 gm). Conclusion: Birth weight and CHL of premature babies can be estimated from the measurement of foot length that was performed easily and rapidly. Measurement of foot length is valuable in premature babies on a ventilator. Foot length may be used in the identification of LBW and VLBW babies who are admitted to the NICU.

Keywords

• foot length
• weight
• anthropometry
• preterm
• newborn