The significance of ponderal index as a prognostic factor in a low-birth-weight population.

Neonatal prognostic significance of some biometric parameters in a population study of 331 low-birth-weight newborns was investigated. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrates that length, head size and weight are the best predictors of neonatal outcome in small for gestational age (SGA) newborns. In the population of SGA newborns biometric parameters more affected by growth failure were thoracic circumference, weight, head circumference and length, in that order. It seems that the best parameters for the sonographic diagnosis of growth failure are the poorest predictors of neonatal outcome. The possible role of ponderal index as an expression of fetal and neonatal well-being is discussed.