A study of Ververck index in 16 865 singleton neonates with a gestational age of 27-42 weeks in Shenzhen, China.
- Author:
Xiao-Yun HUANG
1
;
Hui-Long LIU
;
Min LEI
;
Zhao-Hui LIAN
;
Hui-Fen MAI
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From: Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2018;20(1):12-16
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVEVerverck index (VI) reflects thoracic development, body type, and nutritional status. This study aimed to investigate the VI of singleton neonates with a gestational age (GA) of 27-42 weeks at birth, and to establish percentile curves of VI of the neonates.
METHODSCross-sectional cluster sampling was performed between April 2013 and September 2015. Body weight, body length, and chest circumference were measured for 16 865 singleton neonates with a GA of 27-42 weeks in two hospitals in Shenzhen, China. VI was calculated and the percentile curves of VI were plotted for the neonates.
RESULTSMean VIs were obtained for singleton neonates with a gestational age of 27-42 weeks (in three groups of male, female, and both sexes), and related 3rd-97th percentile curves were plotted. As for the 50th percentile curve, the singleton neonates with a GA of 27 weeks had the lowest 50th percentile value of VI, which gradually increased with the increase in GA. The singleton neonates with a GA of 42 weeks had the highest 50th percentile value of VI. Girls had a slightly higher 50th percentile value of VI than boys in all GA groups.
CONCLUSIONSVI of neonates increases with the increase in GA. Female neonates may have a slightly better thoracic development, body type, and nutritional status than male neonates at birth. The percentile curves of VI plotted for singleton neonates with a GA of 27-42 weeks (in three groups of male, female, and both sexes) can provide a basis for evaluating thoracic development, body type, and nutritional status of neonates at birth in Shenzhen, China.