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Altitude, low birth weight, and infant mortality in Colorado
C Unger1, J K Weiser, R E McCullough
1Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado, Denver.
JAMA
|June 17, 1988
Summary
High altitude lowers birth weight, but infant mortality risk for low-birth-weight infants decreased, leading to similar state-wide rates. Significant statewide infant mortality reduction occurred over ten years.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Perinatal Epidemiology
- Altitude Physiology
Background:
- High altitude is associated with decreased birth weight.
- The impact of high altitude on infant mortality and its relation to birth weight remains unclear.
- Previous studies indicated increased infant mortality at high altitudes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if high altitude increases infant mortality.
- To assess the contribution of decreased birth weight to infant mortality at high altitude.
- To compare infant mortality rates at high and low altitudes in Colorado.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Colorado vital statistics from 1979-1982.
- Examination of the relationship between altitude, birth weight, and infant mortality.
- Comparison of findings with data from 1969-1973.
Main Results:
- Intrauterine growth retardation at high altitude doubled the frequency of low-birth-weight infants.
- Low birth weight increased mortality risk, but this risk was lower at high altitudes.
- Infant mortality rates were similar across all altitudes in the state.
- Statewide infant mortality decreased by 46% over ten years, especially for preterm low-birth-weight infants.
Conclusions:
- Despite lower birth weights at high altitude, improved neonatal care reduced infant mortality risk for low-birth-weight infants.
- The reduction in infant mortality at high altitudes may be attributed to better identification and transport of high-risk pregnancies.
- Advancements in neonatal intensive care have significantly impacted infant survival rates, particularly for vulnerable populations at high altitudes.