Neurodevelopmental outcome of very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight newborn at 12 months of corrected age associated with prenatal risk factors

Abstract

Background: Various neuro-developmental impairment (NDI) among very low birth weight babies (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) babies are common in Indian scenario. This study was designed to assess the impact between prenatal risk factors and neuro-developmental outcomes of premature infants.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 143 VLBW and ELBW babies admitted in SNCU of North Bengal Medical College, Darjeeling, West Bengal and discharged babies were followed up.Results: Total 143 neonates were studied among male 82 (57.3%) and female 61 (42.7%) and AGA: SGA ratio was 1.97. Birth weight ranged from 500 to 1500grams with mean was 1199.6±244.14 and the median was 1240 gm. The mean gestational age (Mean± SD) was 29.65±2.032 weeks with range 24-32 weeks and the median was 30 weeks. 28 (19.6%) had PIH, 39 (27.3%) had multiple gestation, 18 (12.6%) had perinatal infection and 25 (17.5%) had birth asphyxia. CRIB II score ranged from 3-18 with mean was 8.021±3.883 and median was 7. 73.4% (105/143) were discharged alive. Significant positive correlations were found among birth weight, gestational age, perinatal infection (p<0.001). Adverse neonatal outcome was associated with CRIB II score ≥10. Total CRIB II score with parameters of NDI like developmental delay, cerebral palsy, visual abnormality, absent ABR showed good correlation (p<0.001). Fisher Exact test revealed significant association between total score and Cerebral palsy (p=0.0005), visual abnormality (p=0.0005), absent ABR (p=0.0002).Conclusions: Perinatal risk factors influence future NDI in very low and extremely low birth weight babies. They should be identified and treated promptly to achieve good outcome.