Weight/head circumference ratio at birth for assessing fetal growth

The objective of this study was to use weight/head circumference ratio at birth to assess fetal growth. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Zona da Mata, Pernambuco State, Brazil, with 915 term infants. Infants’ anthropometric measurements and data on prenatal care, smoking during pregnancy, family income, and maternal schooling and nutritional status were collected in the first 24 hours after birth. Infants were classified as proportionate (weight/head circumference ratio ≥ 0.90) versus disproportionate (< 0.90). Lower mean weight/head circumference ratio was associated with maternal smoking, younger age, inadequate prenatal care, and low BMI, height, and triceps skinfold thickness. Mean weight, length, head and chest circumference, arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness were lower among infants with disproportionate weight/head circumference ratio, independently of sex. In conclusion, weight/head circumference ratio and birth weight are important indicators of fetal growth.

本研究旨在通过出生时的体重/头围比值（weight/head circumference ratio）评估胎儿生长发育状况。本研究为回顾性队列研究，在巴西伯南布哥州祖纳达马塔（Zona da Mata）地区开展，共纳入915名足月儿。研究人员在婴儿出生后的24小时内，采集其人体测量学数据，以及产前检查、孕期吸烟情况、家庭收入、母亲受教育程度与营养状况等相关资料。将婴儿按体重/头围比值分为匀称组（比值≥0.90）与非匀称组（比值<0.90）。分析结果显示，较低的平均体重/头围比值与母亲吸烟、低龄、产前检查不充分，以及母亲低BMI、身高不足、肱三头肌皮褶厚度较薄显著相关。在非匀称组婴儿中，平均体重、身长、头围、胸围、臂围及肱三头肌皮褶厚度均更低，且该差异与婴儿性别无关。综上，体重/头围比值与出生体重均为评估胎儿生长发育的重要指标。