Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Outcomes of Very Low Birth Weight Infants (<1.5 kg) and Preterm Infants (Gestational Age=32 Weeks) at tertiary care hospital in western Gujarat
Harshkumar Bariya, Dimple Vishnubhai Patel, Ashvin Ishvarbhai Dave and Chandan Narwani
Page: 318-323 | Received 20 May 2024, Published online: 23 Jul 2024
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Abstract
Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, constituting approximately 4‐8% of live births, account for a significant proportion of neonatal mortality. Both birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA) are critical in determining neonatal outcomes, with lower values correlating with higher morbidity and mortality rates. This study investigates the mortality and morbidity rates among VLBW infants or those born at =32 weeks of gestation in the NICU, while exploring associated maternal risk factors. This prospective observational cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017. Data were collected on maternal demographics, antenatal care, mode of delivery, infant characteristics, and clinical outcomes including respiratory support, surfactant therapy and complications such as chronic lung disease (CLD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Definitions for clinical conditions were based on established criteria. The study included 307 VLBW infants or those born at =32 weeks. The overall mortality rate was 16%, with survival rates varying by GA: 68.1% for =28 weeks, 90.8% for 29‐32 weeks, and 94.7% for >32 weeks. The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was 9.1%, significantly lower than reported in other studies, which may be attributed to improved NICU practices. The incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was 30.2% and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) requiring treatment was 16.2%. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was observed in 4.2% of the infants and the incidence of germinal matrix hemorrhage/intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH/IVH) was 15.6%. The average length of NICU stay was 34.8 days. The survival rate of VLBW infants improved with increasing birth weight and gender was not a significant mortality risk factor. The study highlights the impact of enhanced NICU practices on reducing BPD and NEC rates. These findings underscore the importance of continued advancements in neonatal care to improve outcomes for VLBW infants.
How to cite this article:
Harshkumar Bariya, Dimple Vishnubhai Patel, Ashvin Ishvarbhai Dave and Chandan Narwani. Outcomes of Very Low Birth Weight Infants (<1.5 kg) and Preterm Infants (Gestational Age=32 Weeks) at tertiary care hospital in western Gujarat.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.8.318.323
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.8.318.323