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  • Title: [Value of the measurement of arm circumference/head circumference in the evaluation of the nutritional status of infants and young children].
    Author: Robillard PY, Mashako L, Cezard JP, Navarro J.
    Journal: Arch Fr Pediatr; 1988 Jan; 45(1):5-10. PubMed ID: 3130031.
    Abstract:
    In 1970, Kanawati and McLaren proposed a nutritional criterion based on the arm circumference/head circumference (AC/HC) ratio, valid from 3 months to 4 years of age. For these authors, there were 4 situations: normal nutrition (ratio greater than 0.31), slight undernutrition: (0.31 greater than ratio greater than 0.28), medium undernutrition: (0.28 greater than ratio greater than 0.25) and severe undernutrition (ratio less than 0.25). A longitudinal study was undertaken on 45 children admitted in our unit for nutritional assistance (total parenteral nutrition and enteral nutrition). Weight, arm circumference and triceps skinfold were measured at regular intervals during their stay in hospital (total: 141 measurements). There was a strong correlation (p less than 0.001) between the values of AC/HC and weight for age, weight for height, triceps skinfold and arm circumference. There was no correlation between AC/HC, height for age and head circumference for age. Furthermore, this criterion seemed to be independent from the degree of hydratation in cases with dehydratation or oedemas (Kwashiorkor). AC/HC ratio is a simple and reliable criterion for nutritional follow-up. It is easily reproduced and independent from sex and age between ages 3 months and 4 years.
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