Abstract

Background: One of the most important marker of general health of children is attained growth. Growth of a child is depend on various factors like socioeconomics and geography. Aims &
Objective: To study trends of various anthropometric measurements of children born in a tertiary care center. Material and Methods: 120 full term infants were followed up monthly for 12 months. Physical growth was measured in the form of weight, crown heel length, chest circumference and cranial circumference by standard methods. Developmental screening test was done in various subdivision like Gross motor, Fine motor and vision, Hearing and speech and Social behaviour by standard methods. Passive tone was evaluated by measuring popliteal angle with the help of goniometer.
Results: It was observed that total weight gain in male baby was 5.52 kg while that in female baby was 5.26kg during 12 months duration after birth. Maximum weight gain was observed in first three months after birth. Mean length observed at birth in present study was 48.29 cm which increased to 72.47 cm at the end of 12 month. Maximum increment in length was recorded in first 6 months of life. Total increment in length was 24.42cm for male baby while increment for female baby was 23.91 cm. Maximum increment in length occurred in first three months after birth. Mean chest circumference in male baby observed in present study was 33.57 cm at birth, 44.49 cm at 12 month while in female baby the same was 32.34 cm and 43.47 cm at birth and at 12 month respectively. Total increment in popliteal angle during first year of life was 90.35 degree. Maximum increment in angle was observed during 6 months to 9 months period. Few growth parameters were better in higher socio-economical classes. Conclusion: Periodic assessment of growth parameters should be done in different geographical areas to understand the pattern which may help in policy decisions.