Intrapartum Symphysis-Fundus Height as a Predictor of Low Birth Weight Infant

Abstract

Intrapartum Symphysis-Fundus Height as a Predictor of Low Birth Weight Infant

Attapol Kerdarunsuksri MD

General Practice Section, Ratchapiphat Hospital, Bangkok

Objective: To determine the intrapartum symphysis-fundus height measurement in the prediction of low birth weight infant.

Study design: Diagnostic test.

Setting: Labor room, Ratchaphiphat Hospital.

Subjects: A total of 1,408 singleton, gestational age beyond 28 weeks pregnant women, who underwent child delivery at Ratchaphiphat Hospital during January, 2006 and December, 2008.

Methods: The symphysis-fundus height was measured in centimeter in the sample population. Birth weight were recorded after delivery. Data were collected and analyzed.

Main outcome measures: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value.

Results: In this study, there were 86 low birth weight infants. The incidence of low birth weight infant was 6.1%. The fundal height that had the optimal sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of low birth weight infant was 32 cm. by Receiver Operator Characteristic curve. At this point, the sensitivity to predict low birth weight infants were 83.7%, the specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 95.2%, 52.9%, and 98.9% respectively.

Conclusion: Symphysis-fundus height measurement was effective in predicting low birth weight infant, it should be one of the screening tests in intrapartum care for preparing prompt care after delivery.

Vajira Med J 2009 ; 53 : 153-159