Aims: To study the anthropometric measurements of the neonates between 28 to 42 weeks of gestational age. To express them as smoothed percentiles and obtain their correlation with the constant.  Comparing the data trend with the Shah Study conducted twelve years ago in the same institute. Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study of 500 (selected out of 1223 by convenience sampling) live new-borns, 28 to 42 weeks gestational age (confirmed by Ballard score) was conducted in NICU and post-natal ward, Sir-T hospital, Bhavnagar. Infantometer and non-stretchable measuring tape were used for measurements.  Results: Demographic data- female, male: [247 (49.4%), 253 (50.6%)]. The newborns weighing < 2.499 kg were n= 193(38.6%), 2.500- 3.00 kg n=247(49.4%) and > 3.00 kg n= 60(12%). 244 newborns were <37 weeks old (48.8%) and 256 were 37- 42 weeks old (51.2%), with 37 weeks old contributing n=167(33.4%). The male newborn had higher anthropometric variable than female: Weight, Crown Heel Length, Head Circumference, Chest Circumference, Ponderal Index, Thigh Circumference, Mid Arm Circumference, Foot Length were 2.500, 46.73, 31.65, 29.69, 2.38, 12.06, 8.4, 6.79 of female and 2.595, 47.43, 32.08, 29.95, 2.39, 12.19, 8.2, 7.13 of male respectively, except in MAC. By comparing the mean of the parameters of 34 to 38 week newborns, the mean of TC and MAC of the present study was found to be increased than in Shah Study. Similarly, the mean of weight in 34, 36, 37 and 38, CHL in 36 and 38, the HC  in 36, 37 and 38, the CC in 34, 35, 36 and 37, the FL in 35 and 37, and the Ponderal Index in 34, 35 and 38 week newborns, of present study was increased, as compared to Shah Study. By Pearson’s correlation, the maximum association was found with TC (r 0.934), followed by PI (0.868) and HC (0.844) in the present study and with TC (0.966) in Shah Study. The intrauterine growth curves were constructed by plotting percentile values of each anthropometric parameter against gestational age in weeks. Conclusion: The nutrition has improved in the near term and full-term neonates. The percentile charts constructed in accordance with current data trends thus can be utilised regionally.

Background: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) causes almost half of childhood deaths in children <5 years in developing countries. In India, as National Family Health Survey (NFHS), prevalence of SAM has increased from 6.4 in NFHS-3 (2005-2006) to 7.5% in NFHS-4 (2015-1016); [5.8 to 9.5% Gujarat]. The aim of study was to determine the etiological factors and outcome of SAM and the benefit of nutrition rehabilitation centre (NRC) among 6 months to 5 years children at the Pediatrics, NRC ward, Sir T. General Hospital.Methods: A prospective observational study of 151 SAM children over nine months. Etiological factors were determined by history and relevant investigations, exclude other systemic disorders. Therapeutic nutrition was provided for 14 days. Cases were followed up two weekly for 2 months by monitoring weight after NRC admission.Results: Association was found between Small for gestational age (64.9%), joint family (59.6%) and low birth spacing (59.6%) as etiological factors leading to SAM. 81.5% children gained weight during 14 days NRC stay. Weight gain was noted at follow-up. Defaulter rate increased from 9.9% at discharge to 28.5% at 2 months follow-up. Weight was static for 9% children. 34.4% children were from rural area and 65.6% from urban area. 23.8% children had received pre lacteal feed. Timing of complementary feeding was incorrect in 29%. There were no deaths.Conclusions: Small for gestational age, joint family, low birth spacing, and incorrect feeding practices and urban residence were etiological factors. NRC stay (defaulter rate 26%), produced weight gain in SAM children.

Introduction Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a cause of almost half of childhood deaths in children &lt; 5 years in developing countries. In India, as National Family Health Survey (NFHS), prevalence of SAM has increased from 6.4 in NFHS-3 (2005-6) to 7.5% in NFHS-4 (2015-16); [5.8 to 9.5% Gujarat]. The aim of study was to determine the etiological factors and outcome of SAM and the benefit of nutrition rehabilitation centre (NRC) among 6 months to 5 years children at the Pediatrics Dept, Sir T General Hospital, Bhavnagar. Methods A prospective observational study of 151 SAM children over nine months. Etiological factors were determined by history and relevant investigations, exclude other systemic disorders. Therapeutic nutrition was provided for 14 days. Cases were followed up two weekly for 2 months by monitoring weight after NRC admission. Results Association was found between Small for gestational age (64.9%), joint family (59.6%) and low birth spacing (59.6%) as etiological factors leading to SAM. 81.5% Children gained weight during14 days NRC stay. Weight gain was noted at follow-up. Defaulter rate increased from 9.9% at discharge to 28.5% at 2 months follow-up. Weight was static for 9% children. 34.4% children were from rural area and 65.6% from urban area. 23.8% children had received pre lacteal feed. Timing of complementary feeding was incorrect in 29%. There were no deaths. Conclusion Small for gestational age, joint family, low birth spacing, incorrect feeding practices and urban residence were etiological factors. NRC stay (defaulter rate 26%), produced weight gain in SAM children.