Outcome of low birth weight babies with special reference to some maternal factors

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Perinatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Low birth weight (LBW) is a significant risk factor for neonatal mortality and morbidity.
• Understanding factors influencing neonatal outcomes in LBW infants is crucial for improving survival rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neonatal outcome of low birth weight (LBW) infants.
• To identify risk factors associated with increased neonatal mortality and infection in LBW babies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 178 low birth weight (LBW) infants.
• Assessment of neonatal mortality and infection rates.
• Correlation with maternal factors, birth weight, gestational age, and birth complications.

Main Results:

• Neonatal mortality rate was 26.4% among LBW infants.
• Higher mortality was associated with adverse maternal factors, birth weight < 1.5 kg, prematurity, and respiratory distress.
• Premature rupture of membranes (>12h) and maternal postpartum weight < 40 kg were linked to increased neonatal infections, including septicemia.

Conclusions:

• Adverse maternal factors, very low birth weight, prematurity, and respiratory distress significantly increase neonatal mortality in LBW infants.
• Maternal underweight postpartum is a risk factor for neonatal infections.
• Targeted interventions for high-risk LBW infants and mothers are warranted.