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Low birth weight infants experienced higher sickness rates and mortality. This study highlights the critical impact of birth weight on infant health outcomes during the first year of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) is a significant global health concern.
- Infant health outcomes are closely linked to birth weight and early-life factors.
- Understanding sickness patterns in newborns is crucial for timely interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze sickness episodes and their impact on growth in infants up to one year.
- To determine the relationship between birth weight and infant mortality.
- To assess gender-specific differences in sickness frequency.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 289 newborn infants from birth to one year.
- Categorization of infants based on birth weight (LBW < 2.5 kg).
- Monitoring of sickness episodes, weight gain, feeding, and growth patterns.
Main Results:
- 52.9% of infants were classified as low birth weight.
- Boys experienced more sickness episodes (9.7) than girls (8.6).
- Mortality was significantly higher in infants born under 2 kg (44.4%) compared to those over 2 kg (<1%). Four of six deaths occurred in LBW infants.
Conclusions:
- Low birth weight is a major risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality in infants.
- Early-life health monitoring and interventions are vital for LBW infants.
- Further research into the specific impacts on growth and feeding patterns is warranted.
Abstract:
We studied 289 newborn infants from birth till one year of age. Low birth weight babies (less than 2.5 kg) were 52.9%. Boys suffered 9.7 episodes of sickness, and girls 8.6 episodes of sickness. The mean episodes of various sicknesses, and their impact on weight gain, feeding pattern and growth pattern are discussed. Six deaths were observed, of which 4 were among the low birth weight babies. Mortality in babies born less than 2 kg was 44.4% and above 2 kg was less than 1%.