OUTCOME OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEONATES ADMITTED TO NICU: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY
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Keywords
Low birth weight, Neonatal outcomes, NICU, Neonatal mortality, Prematurity, Sepsis, Mechanical ventilation, Antenatal care, Neonatal survival
Abstract
Background: Low birth weight (LBW), especially in resource-poor environments, accounts for a significant proportion of neonatal mortality and morbidity. These infants face an increased risk of serious complications such as sepsis, respiratory distress, and hypoglycemia that may require them to be in an intensive care unit. Although there is increased focus on the management of neonates, in most situations survival is still not guaranteed. To evaluate the determinants of the outcome in neonates with LBW who are admitted to the NICU and assess the clinical and maternal factors linked with neonatal survival and mortality.
Methods: From February 2023 to February 2024, Northwest School of Medicine and its affiliated hospital undertook a prospective cohort study. There were 98 neonates with a birth weight lower than 2500 grams. SPSS version 25 was utilized for data processing and analysis to capture demographic, clinical, and maternal information. Various relationships between some factors and neonatal outcomes were studied, with statistical significance at the p-value threshold of <0.05.
Results: Out of 98 neonates, 78 (79.6%) survived and 20 (20.4%) died. Prematurity, unbooked antenatal status, presence of sepsis, and the need for mechanical ventilation were significantly associated with higher mortality (p < 0.05). Neonates with longer NICU stays and higher discharge weights had better survival. Most survivors had normal neurological findings at discharge.
Conclusion: The complex health risks inflicted on low birth weight neonates due to prematurity and perinatal complications remains significant. Outcomes of these infants stand to improve with risk factor identification and early intervention during NICU stays. Optimising maternal care and augmenting the scope of neonatal intensive care targeting low birth weight neonates at risk holds promise for significantly marginalising avoidable neonatal mortality within this vulnerable population.
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Dr Mohammad Arif
Professor, Department of Pediatrics, North West General Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Muhammad Kamran
SR Pediatrics, North West General Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Wasim Akram
Resident Pediatrician, North West General Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Marvan Khan
Resident Paediatrician, North West General Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Amjad Khan
Resident Paediatrician, North West General Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Qaisar Ali
Resident Paediatrician, North West General Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan