Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality of Low-Birth-Weight Neonates Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Low birth weight (LBW) has been defined as a birth weight of less than 2.5 kg. Around one fourth of all neonates born in India are low birth weight. The present study was undertaken to find out the clinical profile and outcomes of neonates admitted with Low birth weight in a tertiary care hospital in Suburban parts of Chennai. This was a retrospective study where the obstetrical and perinatal records in a hospitals obstetrics and neonatal database between 2018 and 2019 were studied after approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Data were collected and entered in a predesigned proforma. A total of 142 Low birth weight neonates were admitted during the study period. Among them 47 % of the neonates were female and 53 % were male neonates. The mean gestational age was 33 weeks and 5 days and mean weight was 1867grams. Majority of the neonates were appropriate for gestational age (75%) rest were small for gestational age(25%). Neonatal jaundice was the most common morbidity accounting for 68 %While RDS (44%), TTNB (32%), PDA (20%) were other morbidity patterns noted. The mean duration of hospital stay was 23days.Neonates are at higher risk of morbidities and mortalities. The major determinant for mortality in LBW babies is the birth weight. The best option to prevent LBW is by improving maternal health. Improvement of perinatal and neonatal services plays a key role in reducing the morbidity related to low birth weight.