Conduction Velocity of the Ulnar Nerve, Length of the Forearm and Body Weight as Correlates of Gestational Age in the Infant Pigtail Macaque

Abstract

The conduction velocity of peripheral nerves is an indication of their growth. Ulnar nerve conduction velocity, forearm length, postpartum age and weight were measured in 25 monkeys (Macaco nemestrina) to determine the best way to estimate gestational age. Correlation analysis showed that while conduction velocity is strongly correlated with gestational age (r = 0.68), both forearm length (r = 0.91) and weight (r = 0.94) are more strongly correlated. Of the three simple measurements made, weight provides the best estimate of gestational age.