Frequency Of Low Birth Weight Research Articles

Frequency and immediate neonatal prognosis of low birth weight neonates in Parakou (Benin) in 2018

Introduction: Infant and child mortality remains high in Benin and is sustained by neonatal mortality which has stagnated for decades. Low birth weight (LBW) is recognized to be an important risk factor for neonatal death worldwide and serves as an indicator of perinatal death. Objective: The objective is to establish the relationship between LBW and immediate neonatal prognosis in the city of Parakou (Benin). Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a descriptive and analytical aim. A prospective collection of data on neonates born from pregnancies with a gestational age of at least 22 weeks of amenorrhea was carried out. It was conducted in three health structures drawn randomly from ten structures in the city of Parakou from May 15 to July 14, 2018. The study included all live neonates. The recruitment of neonates was subject to an oral informed consent of their mothers. We excluded from this study any malformed neonate, any neonate who died in utero and any neonate born from a multiple pregnancy. The data collected were processed and analyzed using Epi Data 3.1, Microsoft Excel 2007 and Epi Info version 7.1.5.0 software. Statistical inferences (Chi-Square test, Person test, Yates correction, Ficher's exact test and their confidence intervals) were used to check the level of association between LBW and morbid situations and then immediate mortality. The research protocol was submitted to the local ethics committee of the University of Parakou and obtained its approval under the reference 0121/CLERB-UP/P/SP/R/SA of May 5, 2018. Results: The frequency of LBW was 16.9%. LBW was associated with poor adaptation to extrauterine life (p=0.000), neonatal resuscitation (p=0.000) and early neonatal mortality (p=0.000). Birth weight in neonates with LBW was inversely related to the risk of death within 24 hours of life. Conclusion: One in six neonates had LBW in the city of Parakou in 2018. LBW at birth was a state at risk of neonatal resuscitation and early death. Reducing neonatal mortality requires preventing low birth weight.

Low Birth Weight in the Gynecology-Obstetrics Department of the Commune I Reference Health Center in the District of Bamako

Low birth weight is an important public health indicator because of the strong association between birth weight and infant mortality and morbidity. The objectives were to determine the frequency of low birth weight, to describe the sociodemographic characteristics, to determine the risk factors associated with low birth weight and to determine the neonatal prognosis in the gynaecology and obstetrics department of the reference health center in Commune I of the Bamako district. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study in the department from 31 December 2020 to 30 June 2022. We carried out exhaustive sampling, taking into account all live newborns with a low birth weight. All newborns born in the department weighing between 500g and 2499g during the study period were included. Results: We recorded 4,292 births, 180 of which were low birth weight, giving an overall incidence rate of 4.2%. Of the 180 low birth weight babies, we found 111 cases of prematurity (61.7%) and 69 cases of hypotrophy (38.3%). We found that the proportion of low birth weight babies was higher in the young mothers in our study, at 60.5% for the under-19 age group. Our study showed that the extreme ages of the mother were a factor favouring or even predisposing to the occurrence of low birth weight. We noted a high frequency of primiparous women (38.7%) followed by multiparous women (32.5%). Other maternal risk factors included hypertension (8%) and a body mass index of less than 18.5% kg/m2 in 41.2% of cases. Half of the new borns (47.8%) weighed between [1501-2000g]. Among the transferred newborns, 53.3% received kangaroo mother care and 6.8% of the newborns died during the first thirty days of life. We recorded a mortality rate of 6.8%. Conclusion: Low birth weight is a public health problem because of its high prevalence and its harmful consequences, especially for infants.

Anne yaşı dağılımının gebelikle ilişkili komplikasyonlar ve neonatal sonuçlar üzerindeki etkisi: tek merkezli retrospektif bir deneyim

Aim: To determine possible risks for mother and baby in advanced age pregnancies. Materials and Methods: This study is a retrospective archive review examining 14192 cases who gave live births between 24 and 42 weeks between 2020-2023. Results: The frequency of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, rupture of membranes and possible miscarriage was high in advanced-age pregnant women compared to other groups. When the groups were compared according to neonatal outcomes, the frequency of low birth weight in adolescence was high than in advanced-age pregnant women. When the groups were compared in terms of macrosomia, the frequency of macrosomia was high in the older age group than in the other groups. Conclusion: It should be known that pregnancies at an advanced-age can be more complicated for both mother and baby, and pregnancy follow-up should be done more carefully.

Mean birth weight and the risk factors for low birth weight among delivery at term

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the frequency of Low Birth Weight (LBW) specifically at term, and concurrently, to investigate the prevalence of various associated risk factors contributing to LBW occurrences. Methodology: This cross-sectional study, carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, spanned from January 2023 to July 2023. The inclusion criteria comprised singleton pregnancies with a gestational age of 37 completed weeks, while exclusion criteria encompassed multiple pregnancies, in-utero death, fetal abnormalities, and maternal medical conditions such as renal disease, diabetes, hypertension, antepartum hemorrhage, cardio-respiratory disease and preterm deliveries. Results: It was seen that majority of the patients 74.1% gave births to LBW babies had age between 20-30 years. (p=0.514). The patients 7.4% who had BMI ?25 kg/m2and gave birth to LBW babies. (p=0.663). It was also seen that 44.4% patients had >3 parity and gave birth to LBW babies. (p=652). Majority of patients 68.5% who did not had get antenatal care and gave birth to LBW babies. (p=0.845). The patients 68.5% who had mild and moderate anaemia gave birth to LBW babies. (p=0.023). Further, the male sex had predominant to LBW. (p=0.373). Conclusion: Women with a high risk for low birth weight (LBW) can be identified based on factors such as maternal anaemia, and inadequate weight, all of which have shown significant associations with LBW.

Effect of grand multiparity on maternal, obstetric, fetal and neonatal results.

The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of antenatal and intrapartum complications and perinatal outcomes between grand multiparous women of the same age and socioeconomic status and nulliparous and multiparous women. A prospective case-control study was conducted at the Tertiary Center Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of the Eastern Anatolia Region between January 1, 2021, and January 1, 2023. It was compared with 149 grand multiparous, 724 multipara, and 258 nulliparous singleton pregnancies. The data were entered separately by two people and then compared. The delivery period, gestation period, maternal obstetric, and fetal and neonatal outcomes of the groups were compared. The frequency of postpartum hemorrhage, antepartum and postpartum anemia was significantly higher in grand multiparity patients than in other groups. Gestational hypertension, Gestational DM and Abortus imminent, and the frequency of preterm birth increases with parity. The frequency of hyperemesis gravidarum and preeclampsia was significantly higher in nulliparous pregnant women than in others. There was no difference between the groups in terms of premature rupture of membranes and post-term pregnancy. Among the neonatal outcomes, only the frequency of low birth weight was significantly higher in grand multiparous patients. The frequency of postpartum anemia, postpartum bleeding, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preterm pregnancy is higher in grand multiparity patients than in multiparous and nulliparous patients. Due to the increased risks with grand multiparity, pregnancy follow-up, and follow-up should be done within the risk factors of these patients in regions where grand multiparity is intense, and family planning practices should be increased.

Frequency of Low Birth Weight in Patients with Gestational Hypertension

Preterm birth and low birth weight are just two negative fetal outcomes that are linked to PIH. The WHO divides infants into three categories based on birth weight and gestational age: Small for gestational age, Appropriate for gestational age, and Large for gestational age. LBW babies are those who weigh less than 2.5kg within 24 hours of birth, according to these standards. Objectives: To determine the frequency of low birth weight in patients with gestational hypertension. Methods: This Descriptive study was done in department of Obstetrics and Gynecology unit III, Civil Hospital Karachi from 16th February 2019 to 15th August 2019. We enrolled 89women diagnosed with gestational hypertension meeting the criteria. Informed consent was taken. Results: Age range in this study was from 20 to 45 years with majority of the patients 52 (58.43%) were between 18 to 30 years of age. Mean gestational age was 39.51±2.7 weeks. Frequency of low birth weight in patients with gestational hypertension was found in 27 (30.34%) patients. Conclusions: This study concluded that frequency of low birth weight in patients with gestational hypertension is very high.

Risk factors of low birth weight among neonates at A Tertiary Care Hospital Karachi.

Objective: To determine frequency and risk factors of low birth weight (LBW) among neonates at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of National Institute of Child Health. Period: December 2022 to May 2023. Material & Methods: Neonates newly admitted in NICU were enrolled into study. In accordance with World Health Organization criteria, LBW was defined as birth weight <2500 grams. Clinical and demographic details of mothers were retrieved. Frequency and risk factors of LBW among neonates were noted. Results: In a total of 212 neonates, 117 (55.2%) were boys. Mode of delivery was spontaneous vaginal delivery in 118 (55.7%) cases. The median maternal age was 25.5 (IQR=22-30) years. There were 172 (81.1%) cases that were pre-booked. Median birth weight was 2.8 (IQR=2.5-3.1) grams. The frequency of LBW was noted in 45 (21.2%). On multivariable regression model, maternal age, education, antenatal care visit, birth interval, presence of hypertension and anemia during pregnancy were found to be independent (p<0.05) predictors of LBW. Conclusion: The frequency of LBW among neonates admitted in NICU was high. Maternal age, educational status, antenatal care, birth interval, hypertension and anemia were independent predictors of LBW.

Frequency of low birth weight and its relationship with maternal serum zinc: a cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from June 2021 to June 2022. Three hundred eighty-two gravid females with active labor (≥2 uterine contractions in 10min) were enrolled in the study. Neonates at birth were weighed and divided into two groups: LBW and average or normal birth weight. Maternal serum zinc levels were performed by serum multi-element spectrometry (ICP-DRC-MS method). The data were analyzed using SPSS software. Three hundred eighty-two patients enrolled in this study. The results showed the mean age of patients was 24.04±3.49 years, and the mean maternal zinc levels were found to be 75.32±13.80μg/dl, respectively. Babies delivered at LBW had low maternal mean serum zinc levels (63.88±10.95mg/dl) compared to babies with normal birth weight whose levels were comparatively high (83.83±8.57mg/dl). It can be concluded that maternal dietary factors and nutrition are essential during fetal development and have an important association with birth weight.Zinc supplementation and other minerals should be prioritized because they may increase these infants' birth weight. Increasing maternal zinc consumption has a significant positive linear relationship with infant birth weight.

Epidemioclinical Profile and Immediate Outcome of Low Birth Weight at the Reference Health Center in Commune VI of the District of Bamako, Mali

Introduction: Low birth weight is responsible for 9.1 million child deaths each year worldwide. It is the leading cause of perinatal and infant mortality. The objective of this work was to determine the epidemio-clinical profile as well as the future of low birth weight at the Reference Health Center of commune VI in the district of Bamako, Mali. Methods: Our study was descriptive and prospective over a year from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019. Data were taken from hospital records and newborn referral/evacuation forms. Data processing was performed using Epi Info software version 3.5.4 and Word. Results: The frequency of low birth weight was 34.94%. Multiparity accounted for 47.84%, sex ratio was 0.93, maternal arterial hypertension was present in 41.66%, genitourinary infection was in 58.37% and delivery was by low way in 86.12%. The majority of newborns had a gestational age between 28SA-33SA (56.52%) and a weight between 1501-1999 grams (47.36%). Mortality accounted for 18.66%. Conclusion: Low birth weight is common in our settings with modifiable risk factors. Practitioners must play on them to minimize its importance.

Study on low birth weight and its associated factors among newborns delivered in a tertiary care hospital of Banda district, Uttar Pradesh

Background: Low birth weight is associated with higher morbidity and mortality including impaired growth and development, malnutrition etc. Worldwide, one- fifth of newborns delivered are low birth weight. Aims & objectives: To estimate frequency of low birth weight & its associated factors among newborns delivered in a tertiary care hospital. Materials & Methods: A cross sectional analysis of 290 newborns delivered in tertiary care hospital, Banda, Uttar Pradesh during period of 15th February 2021 to 31st December 2021 was done for estimating low birth weight frequency & its associated factors including child characteristics, mother characteristics & father characteristics using data from medical record section of hospital. Frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation, chi square test & independent t- test was used. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: 91 out of 290 newborns delivered were low birth weight (27.9%, 95% CI- 23.1%- 33.4%). The following factors were shown to have a significant association with low birth weight: education of mother (p=0.04), education of father (p=0.03), occupation of father (p=0.02), and duration of pregnancy (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that education of mother, education of father, occupation of father, and duration of pregnancy had significant association with low birth weight frequency that suggests that improving literacy status can help in decreasing burden of low birth weight apart from other factors.

REGIONAL FEATURES OF NEWBORN HEALTH (according to state and industry statistics, perinatal audit "MATRIX - BABIES")

The development of modern society is largely due to the state of health of new generations, which determinethe quantitative and qualitative characteristics not only of today's but also of the future population, its cultural, moral andintellectual and defense potential.A retrospective analysis and assessment of the dynamics of newborn health in Ukraine in the XXI century according tostate and industry statistics, perinatal audit according to the WHO methodology "MATRIX - BABIES". Methods of systemapproach, statistical, graphic image are applied.The specifics of the socio-economic and demographic processes in Ukraine in the first decades of the XXI century, inparticular the decrease in the number of newborns born at the institutions of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine from 387.9thousand in 2000 up to 260.5 thousand in 2021 was accompanied by a negative trend of the generalized objective criterion oftheir health, namely an increase in the frequency of low birth weight children from 5.39 to 5.99% and premature newborns4.64 to 5.68%, OR with 95% CI 1.12 (1, 09-1.15), p <0.0001 and 1.24 (1.21-1.27), p < 0.0001 at stable dissociation of thenumber of underweight and premature infants. The range of frequency fluctuations of low weight newborns in the regionalcontext in 2021 reached 1.7 times. The lowest levels (<5%) were registered in Volyn (4.72%), Rivne (4.89%) and Sumy(4.93%), the highest (more than 7%) - in Kiev 8.1%), Transcarpathian (7.49%) and Kirovohrad (7.19%) regions.The frequency of sick newborns showed a positive trend, characterized by instability over the years. Over the pastdecades, this figure has decreased from 280.8 ‰ in 2000 to 196.9% in 2021, OR with 95% CI 0.67 (0, 65-0.67), p <0.0001,but now at the beginning of life almost every fifth child has a deviation in health. Differentiation of the frequency of sicknewborns in the regions showed an extremely high frequency of this indicator in 2021 (more than 250 ‰) in Kyiv. Poltavaand Kyiv at relatively low (<150 ‰) in Ternopil, Mykolaiv, Transcarpathian and Kirovohrad regions.Traditionally, the leading position in the frequency of newborns in the XXI century is occupied by neonatal jaundice dueto excessive hemolysis, other causes – 31,1 - 58,99 ‰, disorders of the respiratory system that occur in the perinatal period- 21,91 - 46,79 ‰, other disorders of the cerebral status of the newborn - 18.58 - 43.66 ‰, congenital anomalies, deformitiesand chromosomal disorders - 29.75 - 30.73 ‰ and birth injuries - 19.7 - 34.46 ‰, growth retardation and malnutrition of thefetus – 18.01 - 73.76 ‰. Consecutive decrease in the frequency of sick newborns is mainly due to a decrease in fetal hypoxiaand asphyxia - a loss rate of 85.1%. cases of growth retardation and malnutrition - 75.6%, birth injuries - 43.2% of congenitalanomalies, deformities and chromosomal disorders - 3.1%, hemolytic disease caused by isoimmunization - 2.92%. At the sametime, the negative dynamics of severe perinatal conditions that cause disability of children, including neonatal sepsis - a 15.7- fold increase, congenital pneumonia - a growth rate of 116.3% of perinatal-specific infections (70.3%) over the period from2010 - оther disorders violations of the cerebral status of the newborn (134.98%.), since 2015 - neonatal jaundice (89.6%).Conclusions. Systematic analysis of some indicators of newborn health showed a negative trend in the generalizedobjective criterion of their health, namely the frequency of low birth weight as a measure of reproductive health of motherswith a positive trend in the frequency of sick newborns as a measure of treatment and diagnosis.

Logistic Regression Modeling for Maternal Determinants of Low Birth Weight

Low birth weight is a major public health issue in India. Low birth weight leads to an impaired growth of the infant resulting in a higher mortality rate and increased morbidity. In India, nearly 20% of new borns have Low birth weight. Males have less frequency of Low birth weight than females. This study emphasizes the need for improving maternal health, weight gain during pregnancies, prevention and proper management of risk factors along with improving socioeconomic and educational status of mothers. Logistic regression is a statistical model for analyzing a dataset in which one or more independent variables that determine an outcome. The main objective of this paper is to identify the predictors of low birth weight through simple logistic regression model.

Frequency of Low Birth Weight in Pregnant Women with Anemia

Objective: To determine the frequency of low birth weight in pregnant women with anemia. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional survey, was conducted at OMC Hospital, Jail Road, Lahore and Medicine Deptt. of Lahore General Hospital during March 2020 to November 2020. We included 320pregnant females with gestational ages between 30 to 36 weeks with hemoglobin level of <10g/dl and further classified as moderate anemia with (Hb levels 8-9.9g/dl) and in severe anemia for those having Hb 8g/dl. All cases with known systemic diseases/abnormalities like hemoglobinopathies (sickle cell anemia/thalassemia), diabetes, hypertension, smoking, renal problems, oligo/polyhydramnios were excluded from the study. The neonates were examined after the delivery is done with the help of pediatrician and all protocols for neonates assessment were followed. All findings were recorded, low birth weight was considered if the neonatal weight was <2500g. These neonates were followed until they are discharged from the hospital or mortality (if any). Routine informed consent was also obtained from the patients attendants to use their data in the study. Results: In our study, 32.5% of the cases were low birth weight whereas 67.5%(n=216) cases had normal birth weight. Conclusion: Frequency of low birth weight is higher in mothers presenting with anemia. Keywords: Maternal anemia, low birth weight, association

Short Interpregnancy Interval and Low Birth Weight

Objective: To determine the frequency of Low Birth Weight among women with short interpregnancy interval. Study Design: Descriptive case series. Study Setting: Study was conducted at Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit 1, Civil Hospital, Karachi. Duration of Study: Six months after approval of synopsis from 22-12-15 till 22-06-16. Subjects and Methods: Data was prospectively collected from patients after taking a verbal consent. 384 women with short interval pregnancy were included. Quantitative data was presented as simple descriptive statistics giving mean and standard deviation and qualitative variables was presented as frequency and percentages. Effect modifiers were controlled through stratification to see the effect of these on the outcome variable. Post stratification chi square test was applied taking p-value of ≤0.05 as significant. Results: Out of 384 patients mean age and BMI in our study was 29.56±3.91 years and 30.72±1.34 kg/m2 respectively. 135 (35.2%) and 249 (64.8%) had and did not have low birth weight respectively. Conclusion: Our study confirmed that short IPI is an independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes like low birth weight. These finding emphasize the importance of providing support for family planning programs which will support optimal IPI and improve pregnancy outcomes. Keywords: Short interpregnancy interval and low birth weight.

Low Birthweight in Women with Vitamin D Deficiency

Objective: to record the rate of low birth weight in pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency Methodology: We enrolled 120 pregnant women having <30ng/mL serum level of 25(OH)D during first trimester of pregnancy. These cases were enrolled from Deptt. of Obstet & Gynaecol, Nishter Hospital, Multan. The age range was reproductive age group with any parity and 37-40weeks of gestation. The levels of 25(OH)D were evaluated through hospital laboratory whereas these cases were followed till delivery with routine treatment of Vitamin D deficiency. Birth weight of the neonate i.e. weight<2.5kg was considered as low birth weight neonates Results: Frequency of vitamin D deficiency in low birth weight neonates was 40.83%(n=49) Conclusion: We concluded that the frequency of low birth weight is higher among pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency. Keywords: Pregnant women, vitamin D deficiency, low birth weight

Effects of depressive and anxiety disorders during pregnancy on gestational age and birth weight: A case-control study

Introduction: Depression and anxiety are the most common psychiatric disorders during pregnancy. Several studies suggest that maternal affective state can negatively affect the fetus, leading to worst neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), lower 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores and admission to neonatal intensive care unit between newborns of women with anxiety/ /depressive disorders and those of women without mental illness. Material and methods: It was performed a retrospective case-control study with 78 women with anxiety, depression or both, who were followed in Liaison Psychiatry during pregnancy and gave birth between October 2018 and October 2019. The control group was a random sample of women without mental illness who gave birth in the same period and institution. Results: A statistically significant difference (p = 0.039, OR = 2.68) was observed between the frequency of LBW in the newborns of participants (n = 8, 10.26%) and in those of control group (n = 11, 3.83%). The same was observed in the mean of birth weight (p = 0.008) and the frequency of admission to neonatal intensive care unit (p = 0.000, OR = 14.05). Conclusions: This study showed negative effects of maternal depressive and anxiety disorders in birth weight and admission to neonatal intensive care unit

Frequency of Low Birth Weight and its Relationship With Maternal Nutritional and Dietary Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is linked with fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity; also it can slow down growth and cognitive development. Several factors contribute to pregnancy outcomes, including LBW deliveries, maternal nutrition, and additional dietary intake. Our study was aimed to identify the frequency and factors associated with LBW mothers in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynaecological Department of Hamdard Hospital, Karachi. A total of 195 healthy pregnant females were enrolled. All the relevant data were collected from March 1st, 2019 to August 31st, 2019 with the help of a structured questionnaire designed specifically for the study where mothers were also asked about consumption of iron, vitamin, and extra meals since they became pregnant. Written, informed consent was taken from all of the participants before data collection. Data analysis was performed using a statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. A Chi-square test was used for checking associations between the studied maternal factors and the weight of the children. Results: There was a total of 195 pregnant females selected for the study. The frequency of LBW infants was found to be 57 (29.2%) in these women. The mean age of the females was 29.29 ± 5.22 years, 142 (72.8%) of them had a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 kg/m2 or more, 102 (52.3%) of them had hemoglobin (Hb) between 10 and 11 mg/dL. The study results further showed that maternal Hb (p=0.02), vitamin C intake (p=0.037), iron intake (p=0.01), and consumption of extra meals during pregnancy (p=0.021) were significantly associated with a LBW of the children. Mothers whose Hb <10 mg/dL, no intake of vitamin C, or iron, and extra meals during pregnancy were more likely to have a child with LBW than others.Conclusion: It can be concluded that maternal nutritional and dietary factors are very important during fetal development, and they have a significant relationship with the birth weight.

The results of hearing screening in refugee school children living in Şanliurfa /Turkey and the related risk factors

ObjectivesDetermining the frequency of and the risk factors for hearing loss among school-age children by comparing the results of hearing screening in children from Syrian refugee and native Turkish population. MethodsThe results of the official hearing test, which was conducted by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey for schoolchildren in the first grade in the 2017–2018 academic year in the Province of Şanlıurfa, were analyzed. ResultsA total of 23,664 children were screened; 20,603 (87.1%) were Turkish native, and 3,061 (12.9%) were Syrian refugees. The age range was between 69 and 84 months. The screening results indicated in Turkish children, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in 0.26%, otitis media with effusion (OME) in 0.41%, and chronic otitis media (COM) in 0.08%. In the refugee children, the frequency of SNHL was 1.11%, OME was 0.94%, and COM was 0.62%. The rate of COM and SNHL was significantly higher in the refugee children (p < 0.001). Moreover, among those with hearing loss, the frequency of low birth weight, inflammatory diseases, and the family history of consanguineous marriage was significantly higher in refugee children compared to those in Turkish native population (p = 0.018, p = 0.003, and p = 0.022, respectively). ConclusionHearing loss is a major preventable and treatable cause of developmental disorder in childhood. When untreated, hearing loss may delay speaking and prevent socio-emotional development, leading to longterm negative consequences. We believe that programs for hearing screening in schoolchildren should be expanded and that immigrants who carry several risk factors for developmental hearing loss should be included in these programs.

Low birth weight at term and maternal contributing factors in community based hospital Korangi, Karachi.

Low birth weight is a key determinant of infant survival, health and development. Low birth weight infants are at a greater risk of morbidity and mortality than an infant of normal birth weight and create a substantial strain on the healthcare system. Objectives: To determine the frequency of low birth weight at term and maternal contributing risk factors in women attending antenatal clinic at Creek General Hospital Korangi, Karachi. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Creek General Hospital, United Medical and Dental College Karachi. Period: From May 2017 to April 2018. Material &amp; Methods: Those women who gave birth to babies with less than 2500gm at term, were included in the study to ascertain the frequency and risk factors of low birth weight including age, parity, booking status for antenatal care, pre-pregnancy BMI, history of tobacco intake, medical disorders arising in pregnancy like anemia, pregnancy induced hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus, birth weight and fetal gender. The data was analyzed on SPSS software. Results: The prevalence of term low birth weight was 22%. Percentage of low birth weight babies among teenage mothers was 72.8%, among the studied mothers 67.4% were primipara, 91.5% had standard antenatal care, Pre-pregnancy BMI was found to be normal in 93% of mothers, 9 mothers (7%) had history of tobacco/ betel nut chewing habit. In this study, iron deficiency anemia was found to be most significant factor leading to LBW babies (62 %). 12% and 8% of mothers were diagnosed with Pregnancy induced Hypertension and Gestational Diabetes mellitus respectively. Regarding fetal gender, 68 were females (52.7%) and 61 (47.3%) were males. Conclusion: Low Birth Weight is an important contributing risk factor for perinatal mortality and morbidity in Pakistan. Anemia was found to be most significant risk factor leading to Low birth weight in our study.

Corrigendum: Gestational age and birth weight variations in young children with language impairment at an early communication intervention clinic.

No abstract available.