Feasibility of Implementing an Early Intervention Program in an Urban Low-Income Setting to Improve Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Survivors Following Birth Asphyxia

Abstract

Birth asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal mortality, accounting for 23% of neonatal deaths. An early intervention program (EIP) could improve neuro-developmental outcomes in survivors of birth asphyxia, but its feasibility in low-income countries has not been tested. In this pilot study in Zambia, eighty live-born infants > 1500 g of weight who had birth asphyxia and received resuscitation with bag and mask were enrolled for a study of standard care or EIP. Mothers/babies pairs were randomized into control (standard care) and intervention (EIP) groups and were followed up at home on a bi-weekly basis from 8 weeks to 8 months of age. Forty two mothers/babies (52.5%) completed the study at 8 months. Reasons for not completing the study were: 19 (50.1%) were lost to follow up, 16 (42.1%) withdrew, and 3 (7.8%) died. Follow-up to 8 months of age was not feasible for the majority in a large urban city with a low income population. Thus, interventions for children who have suffered birth asphyxia that require additional health care visits may not be currently feasible in the setting tested. There is a need to conduct further EIP studies to determine ways to improve follow up rates of children surviving birth asphyxia. Integrating early intervention programs with other successful health programs, such as the existing immunization programs, may improve follow up rates.

Keywords

• birth asphyxia
• children
• early intervention program
• global health
• low income
• neonatal mortality