Measurement of newborn mid-thigh circumference to identify preterm neonates, an institution based cross-sectional study, 2022.

Abstract Background It is well known that prematurity is among the commonest causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early identification of premature newborns is paramount in improving their survival. Our study aimed to assess the use of newborn mid thigh circumference as a screening tool to identify preterm newborns. Method Institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 206 newborns admitted in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Systematic sampling technique was employed. Optimal cut-off newborn mid thigh circumference and area under the curve (AUC) was calculated by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves analysis to assess the power mid thigh circumference measurement for diagnosis of prematurity. Results The mean mid-thigh circumference was 13.65 ± 2.41cm.Mid thigh circumference had strong power (AUC = 0.967) for classifying preterm from term newborns. The optimal cut-off newborn mid thigh circumference to predict prematurity was 13.25 cm. Newborn mid thigh circumference of ≤ 13.25cm had a sensitivity and specificity of 94.3% and 86.8%, respectively. Weight and gestational age had a significant strong positive correlation with a mid thigh circumference (r = 0.820) and (r = 0.720) respectively. Conclusion Mid-thigh circumference had a higher sensitivity and specificity in identifying preterm newborns making it a reliable tool that could be used in a rural setup.