Size at birth in a rapidly developing economy: intrauterine growth pattern of UAE infants

Abstract

Background: Despite rapid economic growth and the recognition of intrauterine growth pattern as an important indicator of neonatal morbidity and mortality, the size at birth relative to gestation for UAE (United Arab Emirates) live births has not been investigated. Aim: The present study evaluated the intrauterine growth pattern of UAE infants and compared the data with the currently used reference standard. Subjects and methods: A total of 2497 singleton hospital live births to UAE mothers without pregnancy complications were studied. Anthropometric measurements and gestational age assessment of each infant were carried out according to standard procedures. The LMS computer program was used to construct perentile curves. Results: The mean birth weight, length and head circumference of 1113 male term infants were 3298 g, 50.6 cm and 34.5 cm, respectively, and the same parameters for 1118 female term infants were 3201 g, 49.9 cm and 34.0 cm, respectively. These growth parameters were higher in males than females. Mean birth weight data were similar to those reported previously from a study from an economically developed community. The 10th percentile values were higher than in the currently used reference chart. Conclusion: Data on size at birth for UAE infants indicate that continuing use of the current reference chart may underestimate the prevalence of fetal growth failure in the population. Data from larger numbers of very preterm infants are needed to generate percentiles charts for very preterm infants.