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What are the causes for low birthweight in Japan? A single hospital-based study

Yoshifumi Kasuga1, Satoru Ikenoue1, Masumi Tamagawa1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Plos One
|June 23, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Low-birthweight (LBW) is linked to future health issues. This study identified key factors like hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and inadequate maternal weight gain contributing to LBW, suggesting a need for tailored interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Low-birthweight (LBW) infants face increased risks for developmental, educational, and metabolic challenges.
  • Understanding the multifactorial causes of LBW is crucial for targeted interventions and improved neonatal outcomes.
  • Previous analyses have not comprehensively evaluated the distribution of LBW contributing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and distribution of factors contributing to low-birthweight.
  • To identify specific risk factors associated with both preterm and term LBW neonates.
  • To inform a more nuanced classification of LBW based on its underlying causes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 4,224 perinatal care cases at Keio University Hospital (2013-2019).
  • Analysis of LBW incidence, including singleton and multiple pregnancies.
  • Logistic regression to identify risk factors for term LBW, considering maternal and neonatal characteristics.

Main Results:

  • LBW incidence was 24% (1,028/4,224 babies).
  • Among singleton LBW babies, 65% were preterm, with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) being a major complication (64%).
  • Risk factors for term LBW included low maternal pre-pregnancy weight, inadequate gestational weight gain, HDP, anemia, female sex, and congenital anomalies.

Conclusions:

  • LBW is influenced by both modifiable (e.g., maternal weight gain, HDP) and non-modifiable (e.g., sex, congenital anomalies) factors.
  • Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are significant risk factors for both preterm and term LBW.
  • A heterogeneous approach to classifying LBW, considering contributing factors, is recommended for evaluating future health risks.

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