Abstract
Objectives:
to compare two growth curves - Lubchenco and Fenton & Kim - for detection of small- for-gestational-age (SGA) newborns (NBs) by sex.
Methods:
a cross-sectional study of data on NBs between 01/01/2010 and 31/12/2012.SGA was defined as birth weight (BW) lower than the 10th percentile for gestational age (GA) according to the Lubchenco and Fenton & Kim curves. The concordance between the two curves was measured using the kappa method for diagnosis of SGA by sex and GA. Curves for the 10th percentiles of BW and reference curves were plotted, by sex, using the third degree polynomial function. Associations between sex, GA and SGA were compared and measured using Pearson's chi-squared test and bivariate logistic regression, respectively, with a level of significance of p<0.05.
Results:
2364 newborns were included in the study. The Fenton & Kim curves detected more SGA NBs, with an incidence of 16.2%, while the Lubchenco curves detected 3.3% (p<0.001; k=0.292). The discrepancy became greater for increasing GA. Male NBs were 1.6 times more likely to be born SGA than females (OR: 1.59; CI95%: 1.28-2.00; p<0.001).
Conclusions:
the Fenton & Kim curves detected-more SGA NBs. SGA at birth was more frequent among males. These findings will help to guide the adoption of strategies for improving diagnosis, prognosis and care.
Key words:
Infant; small for gestational age; Birth weight
