Anthropometric Parameters and Adiposity of Term Egyptian Neonates

Background: The heterogeneity of the neonatal anthropometric measurements amongst different population groups can be quite striking. Objective: to formulate anthropometric percentile values for Egyptian full term newborns (≥ 37 weeks), and to compare these values with the currently international charts. Method: We obtained the birth weight, length; head circumference and skin fold thickness of 6780 full term newborns from three different hospitals in Egypt which represent different socioeconomic standard. Results: the mean birth weight, length, head circumference and skin fold thickness of full term male neonates were 3.23 kg, 50.28 cm, 34.95 cm and 4.22 mm respectively, and for full term female neonates were 3.06 kg, 49.2 cm, 34.19 cm and 3.95 mm respectively. As such, full term male newborns were heavier, taller, with larger head circumference and bigger skin fold thickness than full term female newborns and these findings differ from the values obtained from the currently used percentile charts of Lubchenco which underestimate the birth weight, height and head circumference at the 10th , 50th and 90th percentile levels. Conclusion: It is safe to say that the Lubchenco charts do not represent the current Egyptian population of neonates, which leads to misclassification of small-for-gestational age and large-for-gestational age newborns. As such, it is highly recommended to utilize new national anthropometric charts when assessment of full term Egyptian newborns is considered.