RESUMO
The value of anthropometric measurements in the identification of infants at risk for early postnatal morbidity was assessed in 135 low birth weight infants. Weight, mid arm circumference [MAC], head circumference, length and gestational age were measured within 24 hours of birth. MAC/head circumference ratio and pondral index were calculated. Detailed gestational medical history was obtained from the mothers. All studied babies were examined and closely observed for the first 72 hours after delivery for detection of any medical problem requiring medical intervention. Early postnatal morbidity observed in 75.5% of low birth weight infants, respiratory distress [66.7%] infection [26.7%], seizures [8.9%], anemia [4.4%] and bleeding per rectum [0.7%]. MAC correlated best of all variables with birth weight [r=0.715], a value of <9.5 cm had a 88.6% sensitivity and a 60% specificity in prediction of low birth weight, MAC cutoff value of <9.5% and MAC/HC ratio <0.3 were also the best of all variables in prediction of early postnatal morbidity with 91.2% sensitivity and 63.6% specificity. It was recommended that in the developing countries, the use of MAC in estimation of LBW. Moreover, the calculated cutoff value for MAC may serve as reliable indicator of LBW at risk for early postnatal morbidity