The hospitalized outcome of low birth weight neonates admitted to Amirkola Children Hospital, 1998

Abstract

Objective: A high mortality and morbidity rate is observed among low birth weight infants. This study was performed to determine frequency of low weight infants hospitalization and their hospital management (The mean value of hospitalization period, mortality rate, need to respirator, the average time of onset of breast-feeding) in neonatology ward and NICU of Amirkola children hospital. Methods: This study was performed on 885 neonates during the year 1998. Sampling was done by census and the data were analyzed after filling out the questionnaires. Findings: 284 (32%) neonates had low weight and the mean value of their weight was 1933±308 gr. 56% were male and 44% were female that 60.3%, 34.1% and 5.6% of them were premature, IUGR and with unknown etiology respectively. Also, 14.4% were twins and the second to first twin ratio was two to one. 15.8% of LBW neonates died and 15.5% needed respirator of whom 68.2% died. The mean value of hospitalization period (After omission of the died neonates) was 9.8±7 days. Breast-feeding began 3 days (With a range of 1-19 days) after admission on the average. Conclusion: According to the high frequency of LBW neonates (32%) and the high mortality rate (53%) of these neonates less than 1000gr, we suggest the establishment of NICU with perfect equipment, drugs and personnels in all centers of the provinces by the ministry of heath, treatment and medical education.

Keywords

• lbw
• mortality
• feeding
• hospitalized outcome