Neonatal outcome among low birth weight and factors related to outcome

Low Birth Weight contributes to a high neonatal and infant mortality rate. A study on the neonatal outcome among LBW was carried out for 4 months from September 1990 to January 1991,with the aim of finding the major causes of morbidity and mortality, and factors related to the same.784 LBW infants and 612 infants 2500 grams and above were studied. These infants were followed up for 4 to 6 weeks. The incidence of LBW was 16%. The mean birth weight was 2854 grams, lower than that seen in developed countries. The mortality among LBW was 37% and morbidity 55.6%, contributing to 73% of morbidity and 63.6% of mortality in general. LBW carried a 3 fold risk of morbidity and a 7 fold risk for neonatal deaths. The mortality was significantly related to the maturation and birth weight of the neonate. Infections, birth asphyxia and jaundice were the common causes of morbidity. The LBW were also prone to hypothermia and hypoglyceamia. The incidence of RDS was 2.8% and for congenital anomalies 1.6%. Prematurity, birth asphyxia and infections were the commonest causes of mortality. RDS, and apnoeic attacks were to mortality in LBW infants. Factors significantly associated with the EPHG, breech delivery, low apgar score, prematurity, presence of congenital anomaly. Deliveries conducted at home by TBA or relatives carried a high mortality. The 42 out of 341. Majority of the deaths occurred in the first week (83%) thus a major contribution to Early Deaths, care, intrapartum and for improving the outcome of LBW and reducing the neonatal death rates.