Anthropometric measurements in children with congenital heart disease at Kenyatta National Hospital (1985-1986).

Abstract

Heights, weights, skinfold thicknesses as well as head, chest, and mid upper arm circumferences of 175 children with congenital heart disease, aged 0-12 years, attending the paediatric cardiology clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital between February, 1985 and January, 1986 were taken. The results were compared to those of normal children matched for age, sex and socio-economic status. The heights of 164/175 (93.7%), the weights of 156/175 (89.1%), both heights and weights of 150/175 (85.7%) patients were all below control values. The mid upper arm circumferences of 142/175 (81.1%), the skinfold thicknesses of 136/175 (77.7%) and the chest circumferences of 124/175 (70.9%) were all below controls. 110/175 (62.9%) patients had smaller head circumferences compared to normal controls. The differences in value between the test and control groups were statistically significant in all parameters except for head circumference.