BEHAVIOR AND ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF MACROSOMIC NEWBORNS (MACROSOMIA, GROWTH).
Contributors: Case Western Reserve University.
Published: 1986
Number of pages: 206
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: Birthweight equal to or greater than 4000 grams, or macrosomia, is associated with increased postnatal morbidity. Historically macrosomia has been a concern because of its positive correlation with labor and delivery difficulties. Moreover, newborn macrosomia has been recognized for its close association with maternal diabetes and poor glucose control. The purpose of this study was to describe macrosomic newborn behavior on the first and second postnatal days and explore the relationship of anthropometric characteristics to the behavior exhibited.

Thirty macrosomic newborns were matched with controls on selected perinatal variables. Each subject was examined once on the first and second postnatal days using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale with Kansas Supplements (NBAS-K). Following the second NBAS-K exam, newborn head circumference, foot length, crown-heel length, subscapular and midtricipital skinfold thicknesses, and weight were obtained.

The effect of birthweight and day of exam were examined for seven NBAS-K behavioral dimensions. The newborn pairs differed in their behavioral capabilities based on birthweight as well as upon age at testing. On both days macrosomic newborns performed significantly poorer than controls on reflex functioning and motoric processes. The poorer reflex and motor functioning by macrosomics was thought to be a product of the discrepancy in body mass and muscle strength.

On the second day, macrosomic newborns did better motorically, but poorer with respect to regulation of state than on the previous day. These findings were thought to relate to lower levels of arousal following the birth experience on day one.

Head circumference and subscapular skinfold thickness predicted motor performance on the first and second postnatal days in macrosomics, respectively. Both of these anthropometric characteristics were thought to be associated with poorer tone, a salient index of motoric functioning. The greater head circumference and subscapular skinfold thickness also would have contributed to an increased body mass. Therefore, both findings seemed consistent with the speculation that increased body mass association with asymmetrical muscle strength deterred motoric functioning.

It was tentatively concluded that distinct differences in macrosomic behavior existed as early as the first and second days postnatally. Such differences might be largely explained by dysynchronous physical growth.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 47-09, Section: B, page: 3707.

Thesis (PH.D.)--CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY, 1986.

School code: 0042.