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Low birth weight in Kuala Lumpur.
H M Tahir1, N N Ismail, D A Gebbie
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
Asia-Oceania Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Low birth weight (LBW) infants, weighing less than 2,500 g, represent a significant portion of infant mortality. Factors like maternal health and ethnicity influence LBW and survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) infants (<2,500 g) constitute 13.5% of births at Kuala Lumpur Maternity Hospital.
- LBW infants account for a disproportionately high 74.8% of all deaths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the demographic, clinical, and ethnic factors associated with low birth weight and perinatal mortality.
- To identify key risk factors contributing to LBW and associated deaths.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of birth weight and perinatal death data.
- Comparison of LBW prevalence and mortality across different ethnic groups (Indian, Chinese, Malay).
- Analysis of maternal factors (parity, age) and clinical conditions (hypertension, hemorrhage, multiple pregnancy) in relation to LBW.
Main Results:
- Indian babies had the highest incidence of LBW, while Chinese babies had the lowest.
- Primigravidae and mothers with parity >3 (Indian) were more likely to have LBW infants.
- Teenage Malay mothers had higher rates of LBW compared to older Malay mothers.
- Maternal hypertension, antepartum hemorrhage, multiple pregnancy, and unexplained intrauterine death were strongly associated with LBW and perinatal death.
- Spontaneous labor onset was less significant in the lowest birth weight groups and for perinatal death.
Conclusions:
- Low birth weight is a critical determinant of perinatal mortality, with significant ethnic and clinical associations.
- Targeted interventions for high-risk pregnancies, considering maternal health and demographic factors, are crucial for reducing LBW and infant mortality.