Retrospective Evaluation of Frequency, Morbidities and Mortality of Low Birth Weight Infants

Abstract

INTRODUCTION[|]The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, morbidity, and mortality of low birth weight (LBW) infants born in a single hospital and to compare this group with infants of normal birth weight.[¤]METHODS[|]Infants born in our hospital between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017 with a birth weight <2500 g were included in the study group. Babies with a birth weight >2500 g were randomly selected as a control group. The demographic and clinical characteristics, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization, etiology, morbidity, presence of asphyxia, and mortality were recorded and statistically analyzed.[¤]RESULTS[|]In a 5-year period, the frequency of LBW infants (<2500 g) was 8.72% (n=2120). Among LBW infants, there were more females than males (p<0.001). The median first and fifth minute Apgar score in the study group was 7 and 8, while it was 8 and 9 in the control group, which yielded a statistically significant difference between the groups (p<0.001). Mothers younger than 20 years and over the age of 35 years were found to have a statistically significantly greater number of babies with LBW (p=0.041 and p=0.028). The mortality rate in LBW infants was determined to be 20 in 1000 live births. The rate of asphyxia observed among LBW infants and newborns with normal birth weight was found to be 0.6% and 0.28%, respectively. It was observed that 66% of newborns with LBW required hospitalization in the NICU, compared with 16% of those with a normal birth weight. The leading etiologies for NICU admission among LBW infants were sepsis (n=738, 34.81%), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (n=634, 29.9%), and transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) (n=489, 23.99%). When compared with the control group, RDS, TTN, congenital pneumonia, sepsis, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia, polycythemia, and feeding intolerance were more frequent among the LBW group (p<0.005). The leading morbidities among LBW infants were retinopathy of prematurity (n=177, 8.35%), anemia (n=111, 5.24%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n=49, 2.38%), intraventricular hemorrhage (n=32, 1.51%), and necrotizing enterocolitis (n=16, 0.75%).[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]The frequency of low birth weight has varied over time but continues to be a concern. Since Apgar scores were lower and the rates of asphyxia, hospitalization, morbidity and mortality were all increased among LBW infants, antenatal follow-up of these high risk neonates is essential. Optimum resuscitation and medical care by an experienced NICU team after birth is invaluable.[¤]

Keywords

• low birth weight
• morbidity; neonate.