Weight-specific Morbidity and Mortality Rates among Low Birthweight Infants in Two Developing Countries

Abstract

Summary Objective: The objective was to compare the morbidity and mortality data among low birthweight (LBW) infants in two developing countries with different medical facilities, and determine where further improvements are possible, Methods: Data were extracted from the admission records and case notes of neonates with birthweight 0.1). The mortality rate was significantly higher among the VLBW group in WGH than in QCH (p <0.001). Conclusions: The neonatal mortality rates in the LBW infants in both units were still very high. Improvement in access to antenatal care should reduce LBW rates and associated morbidity and mortality in both hospitals, while the introduction of neonatal intensive care facilities in WGH should greatly reduce the high mortality rate among VLBW infants.

Keywords

• low birth weight
• very low birthweight
• respiratory distress syndrome
• morbidity and mortality
• neonatal units
• developing countries