Determination of maturity at birth: further observations on a maturity scoring system for head circumference and mid-arm circumference.

Over a 3-month period, 114 infants were analysed to establish the reliability and usefulness of the maturity scoring for mid-arm circumference (MAC) and head circumference using the Dubowitz system as standard. Total maturity scores of the two methods showed highly significant correlation with gestational age. There was also a highly significant correlation between total maturity scores of both methods. The usefulness of the model was suggested by its comparable accuracy to the Dubowitz system. The model, however, was a significantly more rapid method of assessment. The clinical usefulness of the model was reinforced by its ability to distinguish between appropriately grown preterm low-birth weight (LBW) and growth retarded term LBW infants. The model is a rapid, reliable and useful method of determination of maturity at birth.