Normal Birth Weight Babies Research Articles

Platelet Indices in Neonates: A Comparative Study of Normal and Low Birth Weight Babies

Introduction: Birth weight is an important indicator of perinatal and neonatal outcome. Low birth weight (LBW) babies suffer from many problems in neonatal period and have more morbidity and mortality as compared to normal weight babies. Platelets play an important role in neonatal immunity. Platelet indices of LBW babies are not well understood and may have contributed to morbidities in these babies. This study was conducted to study the platelet indices in LBW babies. 
 Methods: All inborn LBW babies born in our centre and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Study period was of one and half years (Oct 2015 – Apr 2017). Cord blood sample (2 ml) was collected and platelet indices namely Platelet Count (PC), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), were assessed. Blood sample was processed with a hospital laboratory based automated analyser. Neonatal morbidities were recorded. Platelet indices were analysed with respect to low birth weight.
 Results: The platelet count in LBW babies was lower than the control group. Other indices i.e. PDW and MPV however did not show significant variation between both the groups.
 Conclusions: LBW babies had lower platelet counts but other platelet indices were not significantly affected. The results need to be substantiated with further larger studies in the future.

Comparison of Biomarkers of Neonatal Sepsis: Pro- Calcitonin Vs C-Reactive Protein

Background: Procalcitonin in neonatal sepsis (NS) has high sensitivity compared to C-reactive protein (CRP), but its specificity is not yet clearly defined. Objectives: Evaluation of Procalcitonin as an early marker, assessing its diagnostic utility in early-onset NS was the primary and comparing the levels of Procalcitonin with CRP was secondary objective. Method: In this observational, prospective study, neonates meeting the selection criteria were included and grouped into three, according to clinical symptoms of sepsis and blood culture. Results: Blood samples from 75 babies (male = 61.0%) were analysed; 63.0% and 37.0% were of gestational age (GA) ≥ 37 and 2.5 Kg was noted in 52.0% and 48.0%, respectively. Meconium stained liquor (n=34), premature rupture of membranes (n=19) and prolonged labour/instrumental delivery (n=13) were major maternal risk factors.General (45.33%), respiratory (25.33%), gastrointestinal (17.33%), cardiovascular (6.66%)symptoms were common presentation; forty one (55.0%) were negative for procalcitonin and 34 (45.0%) were positive; 61 (81.0%) tested negative for CRP, only 14 (19.0%) were positive with levels >10mg/mL. Procalcitonin positivity was statistically significant (<0.05) for males, term babies and with normal birth weight favouring procalcitonin. of seven positive blood culture, coagulase positive staphylococci (n= 03), Klebsiella(n= 02), E. coli (n=01), Pseudomonas (n=01) were isolated. On correlation with blood culture, Procalcitonin showed better sensitivity and negative predictive value. Conclusion: Procalcitoninis a better early marker than CRP in early onset NS. It hasbetter positivity for male, term and normal birth weight babies.

Catch-up Growth of Low Birth Weight Infants: A Study Among the Infants Born in the Backward Areas of Howrah

<i>Background:</i> Babies having low birth weight are comparatively more susceptible to infection and are unable to grow to their full potential of physical and mental development. This often lead to high infant morbidity and mortality. Hence, it becomes important to identify the low birth weight infants and offer them adequate care. This study was carried in the District of Howrah. This study was conductedmong 732 LBW survivors and 314 NBW controls from birth to nine months of age. Their growth trends (weight, length, head and chest circumferences) were followed and compared. <i>Objectives:</i> The physical growth pattern of low birth weight and normal birth weight babies under study were compared, relative influence of certain variables on the catch up growth of LBW infants were to be determined and the catch up growth in terms of increments in Height, Length, Weight, Head and Chest Circumferences were analyzed. <i>Results:</i> The catch-up growth among the LBW infants in almost all the anthropometric measurements were of lower values as compared to their NBW counterparts. However the increments in growth were seen to be higher in different months of age for different measurements. The catch-up growth was contributed by gestational age, birth weight, birth length, birth head and chest circumferences. Regarding catch-up growth, length, head circumference and chest circumference were the parameters to start up early as in the 1^st month in case of chest circumference followed by length and head circumference in the 2^nd month of age. Weight was quite late as much as 4^th month. LBW babies were much closer to their NBW counterparts in the 6^th month in all the parameters under this study.

Differences of the Insulin and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Between Normal Born Weight Baby and Baby With Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Background: Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), is a condition in which the fetal growth rate is less than 10 percentiles. Fetal growth is affected by maternal health and nutrition, the hormone insulin and placenta. Placental development is influenced by the Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF). Insulin deficiency and BDNF can interfere with fetal development.Method: This study used an observational research method, with a comparative cross sectional design. The place of research was conducted at Bayangkara Hospital, Dr. Rasidin, TK.III Reksodiwiryo Hospital, and Biomedical Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University. Research time starts from October 2017 to January 2018. The sample of this study was 25 normal babies and 25 babies with IUGR. Insulin levels and BDNF were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Test the normality of the data using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Statistical analysis using independent t test.Results: Insulin levels of 13.2 ± 1.7 mIU / L in infants with normal birth weight and 8.5 ± 1.7 mIU / L in infants born with IUGR (p = 0.000) and BDNF levels 1.5 ± 0.2 ng / ml for infants with normal birth weight and 1.4 ± 0.3 ng / ml in infants born with IUGR (p = 0.008).Conclusion Insulin levels and BDNF levels of normal birth weight babies are higher than babies born with IUGR.

Incidence, recurrence and predictors associated with recurrence of low birth weight in Northern Tanzania

IntroductionLow birth weight (LBW) is an important indicator of newborn survival and is associated with higher risk of infant mortality, morbidity and long term health consequences later in life. Little has been explored on the recurrence of LBW and associated risk factors in developing countries including Tanzania.&#x0D; Objectives and ApproachThis study aimed to determine incidence, recurrence and associated risk factors for in Northern Tanzania.&#x0D; MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study using maternally-linked data from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) medical birth registry. A total of 48,008 births from 8,417 women who delivered live born between 2000 and 2014 were followed for subsequent deliveries. Recurrence risk with 95% Confidence Interval for LBW and associated risk factors were estimated in a multivariate log binomial model while accounting for correlation between births of the same mother.&#x0D; ResultsIncidence of LBW was 7.9%. The recurrence rate of LBW was 24.9% compared with 5.9% for those who had normal birth weight babies in first pregnancy. This corresponded to a relative risk of 3.7 (95% CI: 3.10 – 4.52). Some maternal conditions in the first pregnancy were associated with increased risk of LBW in the subsequent pregnancy. These include; HIV positive status (RR 2.0; 95% CI 1.26 – 3.21), preterm birth (RR 1.2; 95% CI 1.03 – 1.63) and preeclampsia (RR 1.8; 95% CI 1.26 – 2.45). Only preeclampsia in the first pregnancy was associated with increased risk of recurrent of LBW (RR: 1.6 95% CI 1.01-2.54).&#x0D; Conclusion/ImplicationsAlthough the incidence of LBW is low in the study population, but the recurrence risk is high. Preeclampsia in the first pregnancy was associated with recurrent LBW. Early prenatal identification of women at risk of preeclampsia to address modifiable risk factors and counsel mothers on persisting risk factors for recurrence

Maternal Diet and Morbidity Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight in Haiti: A Case-Control Study.

Objective: A matched, case–control study was conducted to examine the association between development of low birth weight (LBW) and maternal factors, including dietary intake, comorbidities, and socioeconomic factors, among women in Cap Haitien, Haiti.Design: Mothers who delivered LBW babies; defined as ≤2.5 kg, were identified by review of the medical record and matched to mothers of similar age, parity, with normal birth weight (NBW) babies. A survey was administered consisting of Women's Dietary Diversity Score (WDDS), maternal reporting of comorbidities, income, and educational level.Subjects: Women were eligible if they delivered and had newborns weighed within the last 2 years. Total study participants consisted of 32 cases and 34 controls matched for age, parity, and month of delivery.Results: Mothers who consume eggs were 78% less likely to have given birth to a LBW infant (OR 0.22 (95% CI: 0.05–0.87). Mothers with NBW babies had a nonsignificant trend towards higher WDDS. The prevalence of hypertension in mothers who were seen in the clinic at least once over the past 2 years was found to be 27%, and 78% of mothers were not aware of their diagnosis.Conclusion: Enhancing maternal nutrition during pregnancy has broad implications for reducing LBW, improving fetal health and reducing fetal predilection for chronic diseases in adulthood. Longitudinal prospective studies are needed to evaluate the selective benefit of eggs and other high-quality foods in protecting fetal growth. Efforts to improve knowledge and awareness of hypertension in Haiti should be undertaken.

Risk of postneonatal mortality, hospitalisation and suboptimal breast feeding practices in low birthweight infants from rural Haryana, India: findings from a secondary data analysis

ObjectivesLow birth weight (LBW) is a risk factor for neonatal mortality and morbidity. It is important to examine whether this risk persists beyond neonatal period. The current secondary data analysis...

Survival of low birthweight neonates in Uganda: analysis of progress between 1995 and 2011

BackgroundAlthough low birthweight (LBW) babies represent only 15.5% of global births, it is the leading underlying cause of deaths among newborns in countries where neonatal mortality rates are high. In Uganda, like many other sub-Saharan African countries, the progress of reducing neonatal mortality has been slow and the contribution of low birthweight to neonatal deaths over time is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between low birthweight and neonatal mortality and to determine the trends of neonatal deaths attributable to low birthweight in Uganda between 1995 and 2011.MethodsCross-sectional survey datasets from Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys between 1995 and 2011 were analyzed using binary logistic regression with 95% confidence interval (CI) and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to examine associations and trends of neonatal mortalities with respect to LBW. A total of 5973 singleton last-born live births with measured birthweights were included in the study.ResultsThe odds of mortality among low birthweight neonates relative to normal birthweight babies were; in 1995, 6.2 (95% CI 2.3 −17.0), in 2000–2001, 5.3 (95% CI 1.7 −16.1), in 2006, 4.3 (95% CI 1.3 − 14.2) and in 2011, 3.8 (95% CI 1.3 − 11.2). The proportion of neonatal deaths attributable to LBW in the entire population declined by more than half, from 33.6% in 1995 to 15.3% in 2011. Neonatal mortality among LBW newborns also declined from 83.8% to 73.7% during the same period.ConclusionLow birthweight contributes to a substantial proportion of neonatal deaths in Uganda. Although significant progress has been made to reduce newborn deaths, about three-quarters of all LBW neonates died in the neonatal period by 2011. This implies that the health system has been inadequate in its efforts to save LBW babies. A holistic strategy of community level interventions such as improved nutrition for pregnant mothers, prevention of teenage pregnancies, use of mosquito nets during pregnancy, antenatal care for all, adequate skilled care during birth to prevent birth asphyxia among LBW babies, and enhanced quality of postnatal care among others could effectively reduce the mortality numbers.

Study of hyper bilirubinemia in Low Birth Weight (LBW) and Normal Birth Weight (NBW) babies

Introduction: Neonatal hyper bilirubinemia implies significant jaundice usually above 15mg/dl or requiring treatment. About 60-70% of all term newborns develop some degree of jaundice while in LBW babies it goes upto 80%. Jaundice is more prevalent, severe and protracted in low birth weight babies, with more chance of producing neurological injury at lower levels of bilirubin. Methodology: This study is an attempt to compare the etiology and response to treatment modalities of hyperbilirubinemia in low birth weight and normal birth weight babies. About 150 babies including 50 low birth weight and 100 normal birth weight babies, who were admitted in NICU for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia were selected by purposive sampling and were further analyzed. The variables used for data analysis include number of children requiring phototherapy and exchange transfusion, age at initiation of phototherapy and exchange transfusion, pre phototherapy and pre exchange serum bilirubin, duration of phototherapy and rebound hyperbilirubinemia after phototherapy and exchange transfusion. Results: The most common etiological factors among low birth weight babies were prematurity, sepsis and ABO incompatibility, among normal birth weight babies were ABO incompatibility, sepsis, Rhin compatibility. In a large proportion of cases, etiology remained idiopathic. Among low birth weight babies Phototherapy was initiated early and at a lower bilirubin level. Duration of phototherapy was more, Rebound hyperbilirubinemia was higher and requirement of exchange transfusion was more. Conclusion: Hyperbilirubinemia due to incompatibilities prevailed though sepsis contributed a significant fraction among low birth weight babies. Significant hyperbilirubinemia developed earlier and persisted longer requiring prolonged phototherapy, exchange transfusion in low birth weight babies.

Morbidity and mortality profile of neonates in a tertiary care centre in Tamil Nadu: a study from South India

Background: Accurate data on morbidity and mortality pattern are useful for many reasons. The Perinatal and the neonatal period are so short but they are the most critical faces of human life1. It reflects the general health and the socio-biological features of the most vulnerable groups of the society, the mothers and the infants. The objectives of this study was to investigate the morbidity and mortality pattern of neonates admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of tertiary care hospital.Methods: All the neonates admitted to NICU from July 2013 to June 2015, excluding the neonates referred and discharged against medical advice were retrospectively analysed for demographic profile, short term morbidity and outcome.Results: 3118 neonates were admitted in the study period. 57.5% were Males, 72.5% were inborn, 69% were term babies and 53.3% had normal birth weight. Important causes for morbidity were Perinatal asphyxia 490 (15.7%), Preterm/LBW 456 (14.6%), Neonatal jaundice 438 (14%) and then sepsis 402 (12.9%). The mortality rate was 10.4% with statistical significant difference between inborn and outborn babies (P&lt;0.0001). The major causes of mortality are Respiratory syndrome 109 (33.6%), followed by birth asphyxia 82 (25.3%) and sepsis 82 (25.3%). The survival of term as well as normal birth weight babies was statistically significant over preterm (P&lt;0.0001) and Low Birth Weight (LBW), Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW), Extreme Low Birth Weight (ELBW) neonates (P&lt;0.0001&gt; respectively.Conclusions: Birth asphyxia, prematurity, Jaundice and neonatal sepsis respiratory problems were major causes of both mortality and morbidity. There is need to strengthen services to address these problems more effectively.

Maternal body mass index and its implication on birth weight: A retrospective study

Background: Maternal obesity has been found to be associated with increased risk of macrosomia and other birth defects in new born. The aim of the study was to determine the role of body mass index on birth weight. Methods: Antenatal and labour records of 200 women were randomly selected and reviewed. Data including maternal height and weight, last menstrual period, gestational age at booking, parity, highest and lowest maternal blood pressure, sex and weight of their babies were collected. Maternal body mass index (BMI) and other variables collected were compared with the corresponding birth weight of the offspring. Data was analysed by cross tabulation and percentages. Result: The result showed that irrespective of BMI, 90% of the women had normal birth weight babies (2.5-3.5 kg). Conclusion: It was concluded from this study that maternal BMI alone is not an effective marker for the evaluation of birth weight of offspring.

A 5-year retrospective review of instrumental vaginal deliveries in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Context: Instrumental vaginal deliveries are deliveries conducted using obstetric forceps or vacuum extractor and are an essential component of basic emergency obstetric care. Objective: To determine the rate of instrumental deliveries and their outcome over a 5-year period (2013–2017) at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Study Design and Methods: A 5-year retrospective review of maternity delivery records. A survey of 16 resident doctors of the department was also done to determine their views on the rate of instrumental deliveries in the hospital. Results: During the study period, there were 6,754 deliveries; of these 109 (1.61%) were instrumental deliveries. Vacuum extractions accounted for 97 (88.99%) of the instrumental deliveries and there were only 12 (11.01%) forceps deliveries. The majority of the instrumental deliveries were carried out on booked women (78; 82.98%), with low parity (Para 1; 73.83%), term mothers (59.4%), and normal birth weight babies. There were only five stillbirths (4.59%), all of which were vacuum extractions and were comparable to 4.5% among spontaneous vertex deliveries and less than 6.2% among caesarean sections and 45.5% among breech deliveries. This was statistically significant, χ2 = 114.03, P Conclusion: The rate of instrumental vaginal deliveries in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital is low with adverse consequences on the training of resident doctors. There is thus need to prioritize training on this life-saving skills.

Mandates of maternity at a science museum, from should to must

A pregnancy exhibit at a science museum is an opportunity to research how medical advice is communicated and interpreted. This paper is about the Beginning of Life area of an exhibition called The Amazing You at the Tampa Museum of Science and Industry, where exhibits are prescriptive as well as descriptive. Expectant women are urged to deliver full-term, normal birthweight babies, by behaving according to prescribed medical norms. This study provides ethnographic descriptions of the exhibits, as well as insights from museum visitors who were interviewed. The exhibits, which emphasize fetal rights and maternal duties, are interpreted and critiqued by women visitors. As the exhibits climb towards greater realism (from euphemistic computer graphics to actual fetal specimens) visitors encounter assertions of fact that precede sometimes tacit directives to undergo a medicalized pregnancy. Exhibits are viewed from the perspective of speech act theory, presenting a new approach to health communication research. I argue that this science center exhibit tells people what to do, in addition to passing on information.

Clusters of week-specific maternal gestational weight gain pattern and their association with birthweight: an observational cohort study.

Gestational weight gain varies widely among different populations, and an inappropriate gestational weight gain is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to investigate week-specific serial changes in gestational weight gain in an urban Chinese population to derive clusters of gestational weight gain patterns and explore the impact of gestational weight gain patterns on birthweight. This was an observational cohort study of 6130 women delivered at a university hospital in Shanghai, China. Pre-pregnancy bodyweight, height, week-specific and total gestational weight gain, pregnancy outcome and birthweight were extracted using electronic medical records. The association between gestational weight gain and gestational age was tested using linear regression, and week-specific reference percentiles for gestational weight gain were calculated. Hierarchical clustering was used to derive gestational weight gain clusters. Mean birthweight among the clusters was compared using Dunnet's test. We found a significant linear association between gestational weight gain and gestational age (r=0.56; p<0.00001). Seven distinct clusters of gestational weight gain pattern were identified. The birthweight significantly correlated with gestational weight gain (r=0.28; p<0.00001). Compared with the cluster that had normal gestational weight gain throughout the pregnancy, the mean birthweight among the clusters that had abnormal gestational weight gain (inadequate or excessive) in the third trimester was significantly different (p<0.001), but those who achieved normal gestational weight gain (between 5 and 95 percentile) in the third-trimester had similar mean birthweight. Women with abnormal gestational weight gain before the third-trimester still had a fair chance of delivering a normal birthweight baby if their gestational weight gain was normal in the third-trimester, suggesting that interventions started even late in pregnancy may have a positive effect on fetal growth.

Risk Factors CausingIntrauterine Growth Retardation in Basrah

A case control study involving five hundred women who were admitted to Basrah Maternity and Children Hospital for the purpose of delivery and they were divided into two groups, two hundred fifty term size babies with birth weight below tenth percentile of gestational age and two hundred fifty control term size babies of normal birth weight were born during the same period from the first of January till the eighteenth of September 1998. The objective of this study is to determine the factors causing intrauterine growth retardation in Basrah.A higher incidence of previous abortion and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) were found among the cases (mothers carrying IUGR babies and that anaemia, hypertension, preeclampsia (PE) and antepartum haemorrhage (APH) were the common complications occurs in mother with IUGR babies.It was found that younger mother and shorter one gives birth to lighter babies than older one and IUGR was common among primigravidia mother.The majority of cases of IUGR in Basrah were found among the low socioeconomic class and being illiterate.

P 37 Incidence and recurrence risk of low birth weight in Northern Tanzania – A Registry based study

Background Low birth weight (LBW) is an important indicator of newborn survival. It associated with higher risk of mortality, morbidity and long term health consequences later in life. Little has been explored in developing countries including Tanzania. This study aimed to determine the incidence and estimate recurrence risk of LBW among women who delivered at KCMC. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted using maternally linked data from KCMC birth registry. A total of 39,073 women who delivered singleton live born babies between 2000 and 2014 were studied. Of these, 8,417 (21.5%) women had subsequent pregnancies. The recurrence risk of LBW was estimated using a multivariate log binomial model. A robust variance estimator was used to account for correlation between births of the same mother. Results The incidence of LBW was 7.7%. Women who delivered normal birth weight babies in the first pregnancy had a 6.0% risk of delivering a LBW baby in subsequent pregnancy compared to the absolute recurrence risk of 27.2% for women who had LBW in first pregnancy. This corresponded to a relative risk (RR) of 3.7-fold (95%CI: 3.87–5.25). Antenatal care visits ( Conclusion The incidence of LBW in our study was higher as compared to the national average. Previous history of LBW was associated with recurrent LBW in subsequent pregnancies. Maternal characteristics such as low number of antenatal care visits, preterm delivery, HIV status and preeclampsia in the previous pregnancy were important predictors for LBW recurrence. Early identification of women at risk of LBW and close clinical follow-up of these women may reduce the risk of recurrent LBW.

To study the association of body mass index of mother and anthropometry of new born

Background: India is now facing a double burden with underweight on one side, and a rapid upsurge in overweight, particularly in the urban settings on the other side. With a maternal mortality rate of 174 per100,000 live births and with an infant mortality rate of 38 per 1000 live births, there is an absolute need to focus upon the health of the mothers and thence that of the new-born. So, we planned to study the correlation between the BMI of the mother with that of the outcome of the pregnancy.Methods: 152 women, who were registered and gave birth in the respective hospitals during the study period were selected randomly and were enrolled for the study. A detailed history was taken on their socio-economic class, obstetric status, diet and body mass index was calculated. And, the anthropometry of the new borns was taken.Results: Mothers with BMI less than normal had babies of low birth weight in major proportion (86%). Mothers with BMI falling under normal range had 13% low birth weight babies. Mothers with BMI more than normal had 55.5% low birth weight babies, 29.6% normal birth weight babies and also around 15% high birth weight babies.Conclusions: There is a definite correlation between the BMI of mother and the anthropometry of the child. Any deviation from the normal body mass index of the mother is seen to be related to a change in the anthropometry of the newborn.

Incidence, recurrence and predictors associated with recurrence of low birth weight in Northern Tanzania

ABSTRACTBackgroundLow birth weight (LBW) is an important indicator of newborn survival and is associated with higher risk of infant mortality, morbidity and long term health consequences later in life. Little has been explored on the recurrence of LBW and associated risk factors in developing countries including Tanzania. This study aimed to determine incidence, recurrence and associated risk factors for in Northern Tanzania.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study using maternally-linked data from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) medical birth registry. A total of 48,008 births from 8,417 women who delivered live born between 2000 and 2014 were followed for subsequent deliveries. Recurrence risk with 95% CI for LBW and associated risk factors were estimated in a multivariate log binomial model while accounting for correlation between births of the same mother.ResultsIncidence of LBW was 7.9%. The recurrence rate of LBW was 24.9% compared with 5.9% for those who had normal birth weight babies in first pregnancy. This corresponded to a relative risk of 3.7 (95% CI: 3.10 – 4.52). Some maternal conditions in the first pregnancy were associated with increased risk of LBW in the subsequent pregnancy. These include; HIV positive status (RR 2.0; 95% CI 1.26 – 3.21), preterm birth (RR 1.2; 95% CI 1.03 – 1.63) and preeclampsia (RR 1.8; 95% CI 1.26 – 2.45). Only preeclampsia in the first pregnancy was associated with increased risk of recurrent of LBW (RR: 1.6 95% CI 1.01-2.54).ConclusionAlthough the incidence of LBW is low in the study population, but the recurrence risk is high. Preeclampsia in the first pregnancy was associated with recurrent LBW. Early prenatal identification of women at risk of preeclampsia to address modifiable risk factors and counsel mothers on persisting risk factors for recurrence will mitigate the risk of recurrence of LBW.

Graphic Warning Labels and the Cost Savings from Reduced Smoking among Pregnant Women

Introduction: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has estimated the economic impact of Graphic Warning Labels (GWLs). By omitting the impact on tobacco consumption by pregnant women, the FDA analysis underestimates the economic benefits that would occur from the proposed regulations. There is a strong link between the occurrence of low birth weight babies and smoking while pregnant. Low birth weight babies in turn generate much higher hospital costs than normal birth weight babies. This study aims to fill the gap by quantifying the national hospital cost savings from the reductions in prenatal smoking that will arise if GWLs are implemented in the U.S. Data and Methods: This study uses several data sources. It uses Natality Data from the National Vital Statistics System of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in 2013 to estimate the impact of prenatal smoking on the likelihood of having a low-birth-weight baby, controlling for socio-economic and demographic characteristics as well as medical and non-medical risk factors. Using these estimates, along with the estimates of Huang et al. (2014) regarding the effect of GWLs on smoking, we calculate the change in the number of LBW (low birth weight) babies resulting from decreased prenatal smoking due to GWLs. Using this estimated change and the estimates from Russell et al. (2007) and AHRQ (2013) on the excess hospital costs of LBW babies, we calculate cost saving that arises from reduced prenatal smoking in response of GWLs. Results and Conclusions: Our results indicated that GWLs for this population could lead to hospital cost savings of 1.2 billion to 2.0 billion dollars over a 30 year horizon.

Incidence and associated risk factors of low birth weight babies born in Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayad Al-Nayan Hospital Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Background and Objective:Birth weight is the most important factor that affects infant and child mortality. The most common cause of low birth is malnutrition before and during the pregnancy period. The present study was conducted to explore the associated risk factors of low birth weight which will be helpful to undertake effective measures to reduce the incidence of the low birth weight babies.Methods:The study was conducted at Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayad Al-Nayan Hospital Muzaffarabad. A sample size of 1603 live births over a period of five months were analyzed. The pregnant women were recruited in the last trimester of their pregnancy and followed up till their delivery. Information regarding maternal age, parity, income of family, gestational age, maternal occupation, degree of illiteracy, birth interval was collected. The birth weight was recorded within 24 hours of delivery. Data analysis was done using Graph Pad Prism version 6.0.Results:Data of 1863 birth out of which 1603 were live births and among these live births, 1442 were normal birth weight babies and 161 number of low birth weight (LBW) were analyzed. The incidence of LBW in this study was (10.04%). LBW was more common in female (n=84) than in male (n=77) babies. However, this difference was statistically insignificant. Among different risk factors maternal age (p<0.05), parity (P = 0.0167), income of family (P = 0.0190), has a statically significant association with incidence of LBW. The gestational age of mother, maternal occupation, degree of illiteracy was found to affect the incidence of LBW babies, however the difference was found to be statistically insignificant for LBW. Birth interval less than three years and low hemoglobin level (P<0.0260) was found to have a significant association with LBW babies.Conclusion:LBW a common problem in Pakistan is an important factor for perinatal mortality and morbidity. Among different risk factors maternal age, parity, income of family, gestational age of mother, maternal occupation, degree of illiteracy, birth interval less than three years were found to be the important risk factors contributing to LBW babies born in Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayad Al- Nayan Hospital Muzaffarabad.