Low birthweight and perinatal mortality in Lagos

Area of Science:

• Perinatology
• Neonatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Low birthweight (LBW) is a significant contributor to perinatal mortality.
• Understanding the causes and outcomes of LBW is essential for improving neonatal care.
• Previous studies highlight the increased risks associated with LBW, but detailed analysis of causes and outcomes is ongoing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the perinatal mortality (PNM) and causes of death in singleton low birthweight (LBW) infants.
• To compare outcomes between preterm LBW infants and intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) LBW infants.
• To identify specific factors contributing to preterm delivery and their impact on neonatal survival.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 693 singleton LBW infant records from 1973-1977.
• Categorization of LBW infants into preterm and IUGR groups.
• Analysis of perinatal mortality rates and causes of death, including preterm delivery etiologies.

Main Results:

• LBW accounted for 5.2% of births, with a corrected PNM of 339/1000 singleton births.
• Preterm infants (60.5% of LBW) had a significantly higher PNM (520/1000) compared to IUGR infants (62/1000).
• Unknown causes comprised 66% of LBW cases; antepartum hemorrhage and pregnancy-induced hypertension were leading causes of preterm delivery.

Conclusions:

• Preterm birth is a major determinant of PNM in LBW infants, with unknown causes being prevalent.
• Improved identification and management of preterm delivery causes are critical for reducing LBW mortality.
• Survival rates were poorest in premature breech deliveries, indicating a need for targeted interventions.