Comparative outcome of low birth weight babies
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Published on: July 12, 2024
B K Das1, R N Mishra, O P Mishra
1Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University.
Insights
Outcomes for low birth weight (LBW) babies were similar across hospital and village settings. LBW infants faced higher mortality and morbidity than full-term infants, but domiciliary care shows promise.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Health
- Pediatric Outcomes
- Public Health
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) is a significant global health concern, impacting neonatal mortality and morbidity.
- Comparative studies are needed to assess outcomes for LBW infants across different delivery settings.
- Understanding growth patterns and risk factors is crucial for improving infant survival rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare mortality, morbidity, and growth patterns of low birth weight (LBW) infants delivered in hospital versus village settings.
- To evaluate the outcomes of full-term appropriate for gestational age (FT-AGA) infants as a reference group.
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of domiciliary care for LBW neonates.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study included 156 LBW babies (1500-2000 g) and 103 FT-AGA babies.
- Infants were delivered at University Hospital, District Hospital, and village homes.
- Data collected included birth weight, gestational age, mortality, morbidity (infections, diarrhea, respiratory), and growth patterns up to 3 months.
Main Results:
- LBW babies from all three centers showed similar birth weights and gestational ages.
- Neonatal mortality rates and causes of death (infections, aspiration) were similar across centers for LBW infants.
- LBW babies experienced significantly higher mortality and morbidity (diarrhea, respiratory infections) compared to FT-AGA babies, particularly preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- Hospital and village delivery settings yielded comparable outcomes for LBW infants.
- LBW infants face substantially higher risks than FT-AGA infants, regardless of delivery location.
- The similar outcomes in village settings suggest potential for increased domiciliary care for LBW neonates.
Abstract:
One hundred and fifty six babies with birth weight between 1500-2000 g and 103 full term-appropriate for gestational age (FT-AGA) babies delivered at University Hospital, District Hospital and village homes were included for a comparative study of mortality, morbidity and growth pattern. The low birth weight (LBW) babies from the three centres had similar birth weight and gestational age. Neonatal mortality rates for the LBW babies were similar at the three centres. The main cause of death were infections and aspiration with rates again being similar. Diarrhea and respiratory tract infections were common causes of morbidity. The mortality rates for the LBW babies were significantly higher as compared to FT-AGA babies irrespective of the place of delivery. The incidence of morbidities like diarrhea and respiratory infections were also higher in LBW babies. However, the differences were statistically significant mostly in the preterm group. The weight gain of all LBW babies was similar up to 3 months of age. The findings of an identical outcome for the LBW babies at village level to those managed at hospitals is an encouraging trend to increasing domiciliary care for LBW babies.