Characteristics and outcomes of low birth weight infants in Bali

Abstract

Background The prevalence and the mortality of low birth weight infants are still high. Low birth weight (LBW) births are responsible for newborn death. LBW infants are easier to suffer serious health problems and death. Lower infant body weight and younger gestational age are determinants of greater risk of mortality. Objective To determine the characteristics of LBW infants and their outcomes in Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar. Methods This prospective study was conducted on all LBW infants in the nursery from their time of admission until discharge for the year of 20 11.. Results There were 120 LBW infants admitted to Sanglah Hospital fromJanuary 2011 to December 2011. The prevalence ofLBW was 8.9%. The birth weight group of 1500􀁰2499 grams had the highest number of infants (79.2%). The gestational age group of 33􀁰36 weeks had 53.3% of the infants, while 68.3% of the LBW infants were of the appropriate gestational age. The most common method of delivery was normal spontaneous delivery (70%). Moderate asphyxia was observed in 25% of the subjects, while severe asphyxia was observed in 22.5% of subjects. The mortality rate was 24.2%. Conclusions The prevalence of LBW of all newborns in our hospital was 8.9%. Severe asphyxia was observed in 22.5% of subjects. The mortality rate of the LBW infants was 24.2%. Our LBW infants were most cormnonly in the categories of birth weight of 1500􀁰2499 grams, gestational age was between 33􀁰36 weeks, appropriate for gestational age, as well as delivered spontaneously. [Paediatr lndanes. 2012,52:30003].

Keywords

• low birth weight infant
• characteristics
• mortality