OUTCOME OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEONATES WITH RELATION TO EARLY ANEMIA.

Abstract

Background: Weight of newborn is a universal predictor of health during childhood. Haematological prole varies with period of gestation in low birth weight neonates i.e., <2500 grams. They have different haematological prole as compared to normal birth weight neonates. Aim of this study is to relate early morbidity and mortality of low birth weight neonates and their haemoglobin at days 1, 4 and 7. Materials and methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to June 2020 on children weighing below 2500 grams admitted within 24 hours of birth in Department of Paediatrics, SGRDIMSR, Amritsar. A total of 110 neonates were enrolled in this study following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Haemoglobin levels of these were measured on days 1, 4 and 7. The data obtained was compiled and analysed to reach valid conclusions in relation to outcome in form of morbidity and mortality of the subjects. Results: Among 110 neonates majority belong to category of birth weight between 1500-2500 grams (70%). Lowest mean haemoglobin levels were seen in ELBW (<1000 grams) neonates. Fall in haemoglobin from day 1 to 7 in all the neonates was seen and was statistically signicant. Anaemia was signicantly related to PNA and mortality. Lowest mean haemoglobin values were seen in neonates with PNA as a morbidity on day 7 (13.04±2.32). Neonates who died had even lower haemoglobin level on day 7 (12.17±2.03). Conclusion: It was concluded that ELBW neonates had higher risk of early anaemia as compared to LBW and VLBW neonates. Anaemia was also signicantly present in neonates who died and those who had PNA. Thus early anaemia is associated with PNA, ELBW and Mortality.