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Nutritional management of the low birth weight/preterm infant in community settings: a perspective from the

Aamer Imdad1, Zulfiqar A Bhutta

  • 1Division of Women & Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|March 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Low birth weight (LBW) affects 20 million infants globally, primarily in developing nations. Interventions like maternal nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding, and kangaroo care can significantly reduce LBW and infant mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Global Health
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Low birth weight (LBW) affects approximately 20 million newborns annually, with 95% occurring in developing countries.
  • LBW is primarily caused by preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), leading to increased infant morbidity and mortality.
  • Maternal nutrition status is a critical determinant of LBW and IUGR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review key factors contributing to LBW and IUGR.
  • To highlight effective interventions for reducing LBW, preterm birth, and IUGR.
  • To identify areas for future research in LBW prevention and management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of factors influencing LBW and IUGR.
  • Analysis of interventions including maternal supplementation, breastfeeding, and kangaroo mother care.
  • Synthesis of evidence on community-based interventions for maternal and child health.

Main Results:

  • Maternal protein-energy and micronutrient supplementation can reduce IUGR incidence.
  • Calcium supplementation during pregnancy is linked to reduced pre-eclampsia and preterm birth.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding and kangaroo mother care demonstrate protective effects against infant morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Community-based interventions are effective in reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortality.
  • Promoting exclusive breastfeeding and providing alternatives when necessary are crucial.
  • Future research should prioritize improved triage for preterm and IUGR infants.

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