Assessment of infants of diabetic mothers by a simple body mass index.

Twenty-five infants of diabetic mothers were studied in three hospitals over a six month period to assess the value of mid-arm circumference/head circumference (MAC/HC) ratio in the evaluation of outcome of diabetic pregnancies. The quality of intrauterine growth of each infant was determined from the MAC/HC standard. The infants were grouped, and analysed, on the basis of control of maternal diabetes. For the identification of infants of poorly controlled diabetic mothers, the MAC/HC standard had sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 92.9%. The standard was useful in identifying infants of diabetic mothers most likely at increased risks for neonatal morbidity. The standard is simple to use and is suggested for routine evaluation of products of diabetic pregnancies especially in developing countries.