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Outcomes and Morbidities in Low-Birth-Weight Neonates: A Retrospective Study From Western India
Nirali R Dhivar1, Rohankumar Gandhi2, Yogesh Murugan3
1Paediatrics and Child Health, Gujarat Medical Education & Research Society, Gandhinagar, IND.
Insights
Low birth weight (LBW) infants face significant health challenges, including respiratory distress syndrome and jaundice, leading to mortality and long-term developmental issues. Improved neonatal care and interventions are crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) is a critical public health issue, particularly in resource-limited regions, increasing infant morbidity and mortality.
- This study focuses on the outcomes and morbidities of LBW neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Western India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical outcomes and morbidities associated with low birth weight neonates.
- To identify the leading causes of mortality and long-term effects in LBW infants.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records for newborns weighing less than 2 kg admitted to the NICU from September 2016 to September 2017.
- Data collection included demographics, clinical manifestations, morbidities, mortality, and long-term outcomes up to 12 months post-discharge.
- Statistical analyses involved descriptive statistics and logistic regression to determine associations between gestational age and morbidities.
Main Results:
- Out of 4710 births, 327 (6.9%) were LBW. Leading morbidities included respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (46.8%), neonatal jaundice (28%), and septicemia (25%).
- LBW infants experienced a 17.7% mortality rate. Lower gestational age was significantly associated with higher odds of RDS and RDS-related mortality.
- Among discharged infants, 13.7% had weight below the 3rd percentile and 6.8% failed neurodevelopmental screening at 12 months.
Conclusions:
- LBW infants in this setting exhibit substantial morbidities, mortality, and lasting growth and developmental impairments.
- Enhancing neonatal care facilities, implementing robust infection control, and targeted interventions are vital to mitigate the impact of LBW.
Background:
Low birth weight (LBW) increases infant morbidity and mortality and is a major public health concern, especially in resource-constrained settings. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the outcomes and morbidities related to LBW neonates referred to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Western India.
Methods:
The present study examined the medical records of newborns weighing less than 2 kg at birth who were admitted to the NICU between September 15, 2016, and September 15, 2017. Data on long-term outcomes, clinical manifestations, morbidities, mortality, and demographic variables were gathered and analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to present continuous variables as mean and standard deviation (SD), while categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to find the association between gestational age and major morbidities among LBW babies.
Results:
Of 4710 births, 327 (6.9%) were LBW. The leading morbidities of LBW babies were respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) 153 (46.8%), neonatal jaundice 92 (28%), and septicemia 81 (25%), contributing to 58 (17.7%) deaths. Lower gestational age was associated with significantly higher adjusted odds of RDS (<28 weeks: reference; 28-32 weeks: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01-0.33; ≥37 weeks: AOR 0.001, 95% CI 0.00005-0.02) and RDS-related mortality (28-32 weeks: AOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.06-1.13; ≥37 weeks: AOR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.43). Among 250 successfully discharged cases, at 12 months, 18 (13.7%) had a weight below the 3rd percentile, and 9 (6.8%) failed the neurodevelopmental screening.
Conclusion:
LBW infants in this setting experience significant morbidities, mortality, and long-term growth and developmental effects. To alleviate the burden associated with LBW, improved neonatal care facilities, infection control protocols, and focused interventions are essential.
