LBW Infants Research Articles

Mother-NICU: An approach to reducing the Neonatal Mortality.

Respected Mam, Pakistan ranks 3rd on highest newborn deaths by WHO. 75% of all neonatal occur during the first week of life, with the most common causes being preterm birth, birth asphyxia, infections and birth defects.(1) Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is one of the best options to provide care for premature babies in low socioeconomic countries (LSIC).It involves continuous skin-to-skin contact of the infant with the mother and feeding of exclusively breast milk. It reduces neonatal mortality, improves weight gain, reduces hospital stay and promotes mother-infant attachment. Currently, WHO recommends initiation of continuous KMC sessions when an infant has stabilized (2), which is usually after the first week of life in which most neonatal deaths happen. Previously studies showed that immediate KMC (iKMC) during incubator care before stabilization improves the survival of preterm (LBW) low birth weight infants (3, 4). A recent multicenter trial(5) was conducted WHO KMC study group in five LSIC to study the efficacy of iKMC among LBW infants. The results showed significant improvement (25%) in neonatal survival. The trial was stopped early owing to the finding of reduced mortality among infants receiving iKMC. For the provision of iKMC, establishment of mother- Neonatal Intensive Care Units (M-NICU) is essential. In standard NICU, the mother is only a visitor but in M-NICU, she is a permanent resident with mother’s beds alongside the baby’s warmer/incubator. This facilitates longer iKMC sessions and she becomes an active caregiver to the baby. (6) Currently there are only 17 established KMC wards in Pakistan where UNICEF provides necessary equipment and training to healthcare staff. The establishment of M-MICU’s reduce the neonatal mortality rate in LSIC like Pakistan. It involves the collaboration of administration and funding stakeholders to convert existing NICU to M-NICU’s. Team work of Gynae/Obs and Neonatology departments is needed to provide post-delivery care to mothers in M-NICU’s, KMC training to health care staff, surrogates for mothers who are unable to provide iKMC due to major post-op complications and awareness campaigns to make the concept of KMC more acceptable in our society. Continue...

Comparison of Infants with Low Birth Weight and Normal Weight Regarding Anemia at the Age of 12 Months in Yazd

Introduction: Anemia is common in both age groups of 9-24 months and adolescence. Considering the fact that anemia in children is associated with various complications such as stunted growth, activity intolerance, behavioral changes, inattention, irritability and changes in the immune response, the aim of this study was to compare the frequency of anemia in infants with normal birth weight and LBW at 12 months of age. Methods: This was an analytical study using the historical cohort method with a parallel design from February 2017 to July 2016. The study population was all the infants referred to health centers of Yazd at the age of 12 months for vaccination, who were monitored. 100 infants were selected and divided into two groups of 50 with normal birth weight (more than 2500 g) and the birth weight less than 2500 g by simple random sampling, and CBC and ferritin tests were run for them. In this study, the hemoglobin less than 11 was considered anemia, and finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The results showed that the two groups of the LBW and the normal weight were not different in terms of sex, but the type of feeding was different, and infants of LBW group used more powdered milk. 22% of LBW infants and 38% of normal weight infants were anemic. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, it seems that the rate of anemia is due to the use of powdered milk, iron supplements with higher doses for LBW infants early on, and better and constant care compared to infants with normal weight. However, more comprehensive studies with larger sample sizes can be effective in explaining these anemia-related factors in LBW infants.

Health Education on Mother's Knowledge and Skills in Care of Kanguru Methods in LBW In Peristi's Room at Mokopido Tolitoli Hospital

Background: In Indonesia, it is estimated that one baby dies every six minutes, one of which is due to having a low body weight. One way to prevent babies from dying from low weight is to use the kangaroo method. Objective To find out the effect of Health Education on the Knowledge and Skills of Mothers in Kangaroo Method Care at LBW in the Hospital Room at Mokopido Tolitoli Hospital. Methods: The design used in the study was pre-experiment, one group pre-posttest. Population is All Mothers of a Baby. The sample size is 30 respondents using accidental sampling technique. Independent variables of the study were counseling about the kangaroo method on LBW. The dependent variable is knowledge and skills. Data was collected using a questionnaire, then data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test with a significance level of α ≤ 0.05. Results: The results showed that respondents had less knowledge before health education as many as 24 respondents (80%), good knowledge after health education as many as 22 respondents (73.3). unskilled, need help before health education as many as 26 respondents (86.7%), independent after health education after health education, as many as 26 respondents (86.7). The results obtained by statistical test results found that the knowledge of respondents before and after health education p <a with a = 0.05, which means that there is a significant effect of health education on knowledge (p = 0,000), and skills (p = 0,000) Conclusion: The discussion of this study was an assessment of the knowledge and skills of women in PMK in LBW infants before dna after being educated about the use of a good and effective method of kangaroos to help the baby maintain the stability of the baby's temperature.

PRONATION POSITION OF OXYGEN SATURATION, RESPIRATORY AND PULSE FREQUENCY IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT BABIES

Introduction: Data from WHO 2018 shows the prevalence of LBW is estimated at 21% globally with a limit of 4.5%-40%. LBW babies often have complications in the form of Respiratory Distress Syndrome and an increase in pulse rate. One way to prevent complications is to place the baby in a prone position. Based on scientific article searches, this literature review aims to determine the effect of pronation position on oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and respiratory rate in LBW infants.
 Method: The type of research was a Literature Review with meta-analysis. Journal searches are carried out on the electronic basis of Google Scholar, Garuda Portal, One Search, and Pubmed, totaling 30 articles. The literature used is literature published from 2016 - 2021.
 Results: The study results of 30 articles found that the average oxygen saturation before and after being given a pronation position was in the range of 90.27% - 98.1%. The average pulse frequency before and after being given a pronation position was in the range of 144.87 x/minute -140.90 x/minute. The average breathing frequency before and after being given a pronation position was in the range of 69.50 x/minute – 44.18 x/minute. All articles have the effect of pronation position on oxygen saturation in infants (LBW). There is an effect of pronation position on oxygen saturation, respiratory, and pulse with p-value <0,05.
 Conclusion: It was concluded that the pronation position affected the oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and respiratory frequency in LBW infants. It is expected for nursing services to make the provision of a pronation position as one of the nursing interventions and become a standard operating procedure in the management of LBW infants.

Low birth weight risk factors in Basra city

Introduction: Low birth weight is the best indicator of the impact in the health system and the best predictor of mortality and morbidity in the neonatal, post neonatal and childhood periods. Objectives: This study was planned to study the association between birth weight and selected risk factors in Basrah governorate with special reference to: Socio demographic factors, Present obstetric history, Past obstetric history, History of Ante Natal Care, and Medical history. Methods: This is hospital- based cross sectional study was conducted on 362 infants delivered and /or admitted to AL-Basrah-Maternity and Children Hospital. The data were collected through direct interview of the mothers using a special questionnaire form designed for the study purpose. The questionnaire included information about the following aspects socio-demographic characteristics and other clinical characteristic. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 15. Results: The highest percentage of LBW was found among births for mothers who finished their primary education or less including illiterate, mothers in the age group30- 39 years, employed mothers, history of complications during pregnancy, preterm births, previous history of having LBW infant and short preceding birth interval (≤6 months) Conclusion The factors which found significantly associated with LBW included: low education level, complication during pregnancy, previous history of LBW, preterm delivery, short preceding birth interval- ,No significant association was found between birth weight and the following factors, parent's age, maternal occupation, gravidity, and bad previous obstetric history, low number of ANC visits. Keywords : low birth weight , risk factors , Basrah city Correspondence to, Zainab Hussain Tahir Basrah Health Directorate Zalmussazyahoocom@gmail.com

Prevalence and Infant Mortality of Major Congenital Malformations Stratified by Birthweight

Background: Low birthweight and major congenital malformations (MCMs) are key causes of infant mortality. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of MCMs in infants with low and very low birthweight and analyze the impact of MCMs and birthweight on infant mortality. Methods: We determined prevalence and infant mortality of 28 life-threatening MCMs in very-low-birthweight (<1,500 g, VLBW), low-birthweight (1,500–2,499 g, LBW), or normal-birthweight (≥2,500 g, NBW) infants in a cohort of 2,727,002 infants born in Germany in 2006–2017, using de-identified administrative data of the largest statutory public health insurance system in Germany. Results: The rates of VLBW, LBW, and NBW infants studied were 1.3% (34,401), 4.0% (109,558), and 94.7% (2,583,043). MCMs affected 0.5% (13,563) infants, of whom >75% (10,316) had severe congenital heart disease. The prevalence (per 10,000) of any/cardiac MCM was increased in VLBW (286/176) and LBW (244/143), as compared to NBW infants (38/32). Infant mortality rates were significantly higher in infants with an MCM, as opposed to infants without an MCM, in each birthweight group (VLBW 28.5% vs. 11.5%, LBW 16.7% vs. 0.9%, and NBW 8.6% vs. 0.1%). For most MCMs, observed survival rates in VLBW and LBW infants were lower than expected, as calculated from survival rates of VLBW or LBW infants without an MCM, and NBW infants with an MCM. Conclusions: Infants with an MCM are more often born with LBW or VLBW, as opposed to infants without an MCM. Many MCMs carry significant excess mortality when occurring in VLBW or LBW infants.

Parental Readiness in Caring for Low Birth Weight: Pediatric Nursing Intervention

Background: low birth weight babies (LBW) weighing less than 2500 are babies at high risk because in general, they are smaller than normal birth weight babies and immature organ function. LBW requires special care to anticipate life-threatening emergency conditions. The care process for meeting the special needs of LBW requires the involvement of parents during the hospital and after discharge from the hospital. Nurses as educators have an important role in preparing parents to care for LBW after returning from the hospital. Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of child nursing interventions through the education of LBW infant care with parents' readiness to care for LBW. Methods: This research is a quantitative study, using a quasi-experimental design with a pre-post-test with control. The population of this study was parents who had LBW babies in Kendal District Hospital with the sampling technique using accidental sampling, the total sample was 40 parents with LBW babies. The sample was classified into two groups, namely, 20 respondents as the intervention group and 20 respondents as the control group. Results: The results of this study indicate that there was a significant differences in parent readiness scores in caring for LBW between those who were given and not given education with a P value of 0.000, used an independent sample t-test and there was an effect of education on the readiness of parents in caring for LBW used the Chi-square test with a p value of 0.002. Conclusion: Providing education to parents with LBW is one of the implementations of pediatric nursing to prepare parents to care for LBW.

Placenta mediates the effect of maternal hypertension polygenic score on offspring birth weight: a study of birth cohort with fetal growth velocity data

BackgroundLow birth weight (LBW) and fetal growth restriction are associated with the development of cardio-metabolic diseases later in life. A recent Mendelian randomization study concluded that the susceptibility of LBW infants to develop hypertension during adulthood is due to the inheritance of hypertension genes from the mother and not to an unfavorable intrauterine environment. Therein, a negative linear association has been assumed between genetically estimated maternal blood pressure (BP) and birth weight, while the observed relationship between maternal BP and birth weight is substantially different from that assumption. As many hypertension genes are likely involved in vasculature development and function, we hypothesized that BP-increasing genetic variants could affect birth weight by reducing the growth of the placenta, a highly vascular organ, without overtly elevating the maternal BP.MethodsUsing a birth cohort in the Japanese population possessing time-series fetal growth velocity data as a target and a GWAS summary statistics of BioBank Japan as a base data, we performed polygenic score (PGS) analyses for systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure. A causal mediation analysis was performed to assess the meditation effect of placental weight on birth weight reduced by maternal BP-increasing PGS. Maternal genetic risk score constituted of only “vasculature-related” BP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was constructed to examine the involvement of vascular genes in the mediation effect of placental weight. We identified gestational week in which maternal SBP-increasing PGS significantly decreased fetal growth velocity.ResultsWe observed that maternal SBP-increasing PGS was negatively associated with offspring birth weight. A causal mediation analysis revealed that a large proportion of the total maternal PGS effect on birth weight was mediated by placental weight. The placental mediation effect was remarkable when genetic risk score was constituted of “vasculature-related” BP SNPs. The inverse association between maternal SBP PGS and fetal growth velocity only became apparent in late gestation.ConclusionsOur study suggests that maternal hypertension genes are strongly associated with placental growth and that fetal growth inhibition is induced through the intrauterine environment established by the placenta.

Mapping the Evidence on Human Milk Fortification and Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Outcomes among Low Birth Weight Infants: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Preterm and low birth weight infants receiving a diet of human milk require fortification with protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals due to missed growth and nutrient accretion that would otherwise occur in utero. Although rapid catch-up growth improves anthropometric and neurodevelopmental indices, research has suggested that accelerated postnatal growth may be associated with poor long-term cardiometabolic outcomes. Methods: We conducted a scoping review to map the evidence on human milk fortification and cardiometabolic risk factors and outcomes among low birth weight infants. We searched Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science from inception to June 2021 and examined grey literature for relevant referenced articles. Studies were included if they were a primary study focused on fortified human milk and cardiometabolic risk factors or outcomes among low birth weight infants. A modified version of the Cochrane Collaboration Randomized Controlled Trial data collection form guided data collection. We conducted a narrative synthesis of the results structured around the Population, Concept, Context framework. Results: We included 19 articles (14 randomized controlled trials, three quasi-randomized trials and two cohort studies) on cardiometabolic risk factors among 1,955 low birth weight infants who received fortified human milk. None of the included studies addressed long-term cardiometabolic outcomes. Body weight was the most examined risk factor in all included studies, with 13 studies observing benefit from human milk fortification. Two studies linked rapid growth with cardiometabolic risk factors. Discussion: The focus across the 19 included studies was the anthropometric advantages of fortified HM among LBW infants. A meta-analysis was not performed for this review, but if completed may yield a different inference. Conclusion: Limited evidence is available regarding the long-term cardiometabolic outcomes among low birth weight infants who received fortified human milk. Existing literature is focused on the short-term anthropometric benefits of fortification post-hospital discharge. Yet, some reports have linked rapid early postnatal growth with the development of cardiometabolic risk factors later in life. Future studies should explore the long-term cardiometabolic outcomes among low birth weight infants with the goal of optimizing anthropometric and brain growth while minimizing long-term cardiometabolic risk.

Single-Center Comparison of Outcomes Following Cardiac Surgery in Low Birth Weight and Standard Birth Weight Neonates

To compare outcomes between low birth weight (LBW; <2.5kg) and standard birth weight neonates undergoing cardiac surgery. A single-center retrospective study of neonates undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass from 2012 to 2018. LBW neonates were 1:2 propensity score-matched to standard birth weight neonates (n=93 to n=186) using clinical characteristics. The primary and secondary outcomes were survival to hospital discharge and postoperative complications, respectively. After matching, regression analyses were conducted to compare outcomes. The LBW group had a higher proportion of premature neonates than the standard birth weight group (60% vs 8%; P<.01) and were less likely to survive to hospital discharge (88% vs 95%; OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.15-0.97). There was no difference in unplanned cardiac reoperations or catheter-based interventions, cardiac arrest, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, infection, and end-organ complications between the groups. Among LBW infants, survival was improved at weight >2kg. LBW is a risk factor for decreased survival. LBW neonates weighing >2kg have survival comparable to those weighing >2.5kg.

Effectiveness Of Polyethylene on Hypothermic Events in Low Birth Weight

Background: Treatment of low-birth-weight babies so far has mostly used incubators and swaddled babies using cloth whenever possible using the kangaroo method. While the kangoro method can be done if the mother and baby are both stable. Another way that can be done is to use a polyethylene blanket. The purpose of this study was to determine the use of polyethylene on the incidence of hypothermia in LBW.&#x0D; Methods: This type of research is a quasi-experimental design with Pre-Posttest Only Control Design, a sample of 60 LBW infants was taken by means of Systematic Random Sampling. Data collection techniques using the method of observation. Statistical analysis using the General Linear Model with a significant level of : 0.05&#x0D; Results: The results obtained in this study are based on the overall analysis obtained p-value 0.000 &lt;0.05, it can be interpreted that giving blankets polyethylene to respondents is effective in increasing the temperature of infants and reducing the incidence of hypothermia. Furthermore, the results of research based on Partial Eta analysis can be seen that blankets made of polyethylene increase the body temperature of low-birth-weight babies by 91.1%, while the increase in the kangaroo method group with Partial Eta 0.861 by 86.1%.&#x0D; Conclusion: This means that the use of blankets made from polyethylene increases the temperature higher than the kangaroo method.

Impact of Kangaroo mother care on the maintenance of temperature and weight gain of newly born low birth weight babies

In preterm and LBW infants, skin-to-skin contact between the mother and her infant decreases maternal postpartum depressive symptoms and improves self-efficacy and mother-child bonding. However, evidence supporting it is lacking. To evaluate the impact of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) on the maintenance of temperature and weight gain of newly born low birth weight babies. Fifty newborn babies weighing less than 1.8 kgs were studied at a tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)from August 2013 to August 2014. An equal number of new-borns from the same setting, matched for weight and gestational age received routine care (warmer) and acted as controls. A special bag or kangaroo pouch was designed to keep the baby in close contact with the mother to provide KMC. Weight gain and temperature maintenance were studied. Maximum number of cases and control was 1-10 days old. A maximum number of cases and controls were babies between 1.251 to 1.800 kgs i.e. 70% and 72% respectively. In the KMC group, the majority (52%)had weight gain between 100-200gm, while in the control group 52% of subjects had weight gain between 0-100 gm. Maximum number of babies in KMC group (52%) gained 15.1-20gm/day vs 0-5 gm/day in controls (42%). 70% of the KMC group while 66% of the control group was discharged between 1.25-1.5 kg weight. The pre-intervention mean temperature in neonates of the case group was 35.99 ± 0.59 °F, while the post-intervention mean temperature in the case of group neonates was 37.01 ± 0.22 °F. Thus, the neonates in the case group had gained temperature after the intervention (p&amp;#60;0.001).The babies in the KMC group demonstrated more weight gain and temperature.

Association Between Diet Quality and Infant Birthweight Among Pregnant Women in a Peri-Urban Hospital Setting in Nepal

ObjectivesMaternal dietary quality has been related to fetal growth and infant birthweight but evidence is inconclusive and only a few studies have been conducted in low-income countries including Nepal. The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the association between diet quality in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and infant birthweight in a pregnancy cohort in Nepal. MethodsIn total, 101 singleton pregnant women (age 25.9 ± 4.1 years) were recruited from a tertiary, peri-urban hospital in Dhulikhel, Nepal. In the 3rd trimester, an adapted Nepali version of the PrimeScreen questionnaire was administered, which assessed diet quality [Prime Diet Quality Score (PDQS) range: 0–42; higher score means better diet quality] based on consumption frequency of 12 healthy and 9 unhealthy food groups. Infant birthweight data was extracted from medical records. Linear regression estimated the association between diet quality and infant birthweight, adjusting for age, education, ethnicity, and pre-pregnancy BMI. Adjusting for the same covariates, a logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI for the association between diet quality and low birthweight (LBW; birthweight < 2500 grams). ResultsThe mean PDQS at the 3rd trimester was 22.6 ± 1.3 (range: 20–25) out of 42. Mean infant birthweight was 2979.0 ± 423.2 (range: 2245–4705) grams. Overall, 12.9% were small for gestational age and 4% were large for gestational age. There was no significant linear association between diet quality and infant birthweight [adjusted β (95% CI) = –10.3 (–66.4, 86.9); p = 0.79]. However, higher maternal diet quality was significantly associated with 48% reduced odds of LBW infant [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 0.52 (0.31, 0.87); p = 0.013]. ConclusionsHigher diet quality in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy was associated with lower risk of giving birth to a LBW infant among pregnant women from a peri-urban setting in Nepal. Larger population-based studies using comprehensive diet assessment tools are needed to confirm and expand these findings. Funding SourcesRutgers Global Health Institute.

The Analysis of Factors Related to the Incidence Of Low Birth Weight In dr. Ben Mboi Ruteng Hospital, Manggarai Regency

ABSTRACT&#x0D; LBW is considered the leading cause of infant mortality, especially in the first month of life. The incidence of LBW in Indonesia has a prevalence of 10.2% and most of the LBW infants who died during the neonatal period. According to the health profile of the East Nusa Tenggara Province, the number of infant mortality cases in NTT Province in 2018 was 1,265 cases, the factors causing infant mortality in this case were dominated by LBW and Asphyxia. Based on data obtained from dr. Ben Mboi Ruteng Hospital, LBW cases in 2019 totaled 640 cases. LBW is one of the risk factors that have a contribution to infant mortality during the neonatal period. Until now, LBW is still a problem that causes morbidity and mortality in newborns. The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors associated with the incidence of low birth weight babies (LBW) in dr.Ben Mboi Ruteng Hospital. This type of research is a quantitative study with a cross sectional research design. The population in the study was 2.480 mothers giving birth and the sample size obtained was 96 respondents with a sampling technique, namely purposive sampling. The results of statistical tests using Chi Square with a significance level of 0,05 indicate that maternal age has a p-value of 0,004 (p&lt;0,05), gestational age has a p-value of 0,004 (p&lt;0,05) and parity has a p-value value 0,704 (p&gt;0,05. The conclusion of this study is that there is a significant relationship between maternal age and gestational age with the incidence of LBW and there is no relationship between parity and the incidence of LBW in dr. Ben Mboi Ruteng Hospital. &#x0D; Keywords: age, parity, gestational age, LBW

CASE REPORT : APPLICATION OF THEORY OF MYRA E LEVINE CONSERVATION MODEL FOR BABY E WITH LBW AND PREMATURES TREATED BY ISOLATION OF COVID RS C

Nursing care for LBW / Premature babies requires critical and specific action from nurses because the problem in LBW / Premature babies is very complex and there are still many immature organs. During the Covid 19 pandemic, where contact between parents and caregivers was limited by isolation conditions, the management of babies with premature / LBW with the confirmation of Covid 19 had to adapt to new habits with the principles of caring for LBW babies in general. The use of Myra Levine's conservation theory in providing nursing care for LBW babies in the Covid room helps nurses in touching babies as little as possible to increase their energy abilities. Myra Levine's energy conservation theory becomes a nurse's guide so that LBW babies can be handled properly in the covid isolation room without having to experience developmental problems. Recommendations based on this case report that each special unit for infant intensive care, especially the covid isolation room, make SOPs regarding the installation of PICC in LBW infants and the use of PICC in LBW / Premature babies.

Growth and neurodevelopment in low birth weight versus normal birth weight infants from birth to 24\u2009months, born in an obstetric emergency hospital in Haiti, a prospective cohort study

BackgroundLow birthweight (LBW) infants are at higher risk of mortality and morbidity (growth, chronic disease and neurological problems) during their life. Due to the high incidence of (pre-) eclampsia in Haiti, LBW infants are common. We assessed the anthropometric growth (weight and length) and neurodevelopmental delay in LBW and normal birthweight (NBW) infants born at an obstetric emergency hospital in Port au Prince, Haiti, between 2014 and 2017.MethodsInfants were followed at discharge and 3, 6, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 months of corrected gestational age. At each visit they underwent a physical checkup (weight, length, physical abnormalities, identification of morbidities). At 6, 12, 18 and 24 months they underwent a neurodevelopmental assessment using the Bayley Scale III (motor, cognitive and communication skills). We modelled the trajectories between birth and 24 months of age of NBW compared to LBW infants for weight, length, and raw scores for Bayley III assessments using mixed linear models.ResultsIn total 500 LBW and 210 NBW infants were recruited of which 333 (46.7%) were followed up for 24 months (127 NBW; 60.5% and 206 LBW; 41.2%) and 150 died (LBW = 137 and NBW = 13). LBW and NBW babies gained a mean 15.8 g and 11.4 g per kg of weight from discharge per day respectively. The speed of weight gain decreased rapidly after 3 months in both groups. Both groups grow rapidly up to 6 months of age. LBW grew more than the NBW group during this period (22.8 cm vs. 21.1 cm). Both groups had WHZ scores <− 2 up to 15 months. At 24 months NBW babies scored significantly higher on the Bayley scales for gross motor, cognitive and receptive and expressive communication skills. There was no difference between the groups for fine motor skills.ConclusionLBW babies that survive neonatal care in urban Haiti and live up to 24 months of age, perform similar to their NBW for weight, length and fine motor skills. LBW babies are delayed in gross motor, cognitive and communication skills development. Further research on the clinical significance of these findings and long term implications of this neurodevelopmental delay is needed.

Outcome of kangaroo mother care in terms of hospital stay among preterm infants in a tertiary health care center Bhuj, Kutch: a cross-sectional study

Background: Neonates born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy are called premature infants. The birth of premature infants is associated with several problems, such as frequent hospital admissions, infections, apnea and others. Evidence suggests that kangaroo mother care is effective and safe alternative to conventional neonatal care, especially in under-resourced settings and may reduce morbidity and mortality in low birth weight infants as well as increase breastfeeding.Methods: Present observational study conducted in the department of pediatrics, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat for the Duration of 1 year. Source of data are all live new born of gestational age of less than 37 weeks and birth weight below 2500 gm delivered at GAIMS, Bhuj. Primary outcome measures were: rate of infection time frame 1-2 weeks (during hospital stay), frequency of presume sepsis and need for antibiotics, length of stay (time frame 1-2 weeks) and total days in hospital during recruitment period.Results: An average length of hospital stay was 15.31±12.01 days among neonates in our study group. Among those with infection duration of stay was 21.03±15.627 days and among those without infection were 12.09±10.402 days. There was significant difference in length of hospital stay among those with infection and without infection.Conclusions: Kangaroo mother care improves physiological indices in normal levels, thus it might positively influence the premature infant’s physical health. The present study has important implications in the care of preterm and LBW infants in the developing countries, where expensive facilities for conventional care may not be available at all places.

Related Factors of Discontinue Kangaroo Mother Care at Home for Low Birth Weight Infant after NICU Discharge

LBW infant suffered a health problem in the early days after birth and continue after hospital discharge. Continued KMC implementation is needed to enhance neonatal survival. This study is aimed to know the description and the influence factors in KMC implementation at home after hospital discharge. A descriptive study with cross sectional approach was used. 49 mothers of LBW infant were participated in this study using a convenience sampling method during the study period August 2018 to March 2019 on one largest hospital in one city in Indonesia. Several significant factors that influenced a continuing KMC implementation at home in the first day after hospital discharge were mother KMC skill competency before discharge (p 0.006 and OR 6.250), Infant discharge weight (p 0.001 and OR 8.914) and length of hospital stay (p 0.015 and OR 4.433). Several stop reason by 36 mothers on 14 days after hospital discharge included baby uncomfortable and fussy 8 (16.33%), the baby weight enhanced 9 (18.37%), the baby health going well 2 (4.1), busy 9 (18.37%), and never did KMC since at hospital 8 (16.33%). The education, health care provider support and continue follow-up at home are needed for enhanced the mother’s responsibility and awareness to doing KMC at home.

Risk Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight Among Infants: A Nested Case-Control Study in Southeastern Iran.

Background:Mortality rate in low-birth-weight infants is almost 30 times more than that in those with normal weight, so the birth of low-birth-weight infants is one of the most serious health problems in the world. Therefore, this nested case-control study was conducted to investigate the risk factors associated with low birth weight among infants in the rural population of Kerman province.Methods:This nested case-control study was performed in rural areas of Kerman province, southeastern Iran. Case (n = 155) and control (n = 310) groups were selected using risk set sampling. Data were analyzed through Point and distance estimation (OR, CI) using conditional logistic regression method by Stata-12 software.Results:The results of multivariate analysis showed that maternal BMI [OR = 0.3, CI 95% (0.1, 0.9)], gestational age [OR = 3.8, CI 95% (0.9, 6.1)], history of stillbirth [OR = 4.8, CI 95% (1.3, 11)], history of pregnancy bleeding [OR = 3.7, CI 95% (0.7, 9)], pregnancy craving [OR = 3, CI 95% (1.1, 3.8)], and the level of health workers' care [OR = 0.4, CI 95% (0.1, 0.9)] are the risk factors affecting LBW in infants (P < 0.05).Conclusions:Low birth weight is a multifactorial phenomenon. Therefore, raising public awareness, providing nutritional counseling to pregnant mothers, regular referral to health homes to receive health care, and identifying risk factors and referral to higher level specialists and health centers can be effective in reducing the risk of birth of LBW infants.

Effectiveness of Nurse led structured teaching programme on knowledge and practice of postnatal mothers on low birth weight care

BackgroundLow birth weight (LBW) in infants is a critical issue worldwide. If the issue is not recognized early, it can lead to high mortality and morbidity rates. Mothers and caregivers of LBW newborns holds a great responsibility and need appropriate information and expertise in caring for the LBW newborns. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Nurse led structured teaching program (NLSTP) on the knowledge and practice of mothers of LBW infants. MethodsA quantitative pre-experimental one group pre-test post-test research study was conducted. A sample of 30 postnatal mothers of LBW babies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. The knowledge and practices of postnatal mothers on the care of LBW babies was tested using a structured interview schedule and a checklist before the administration of NLSTP. Thereafter, the NLSTP was conducted using an educational booklet. After the NLSTP, the knowledge and practice were assessed on the 7th day. ResultsThe findings of the study reflected poor knowledge and practice scores before the intervention in the pre-test. However, the mothers gained a good level of knowledge showing marked improvement in their practices after the NLSTP was implemented. The mean post-test knowledge score (17.6) was significantly higher than the mean pre-test knowledge score (10.8) with a SD of +1.33. Likewise, the mean post-test practice score (15.6) was significantly higher than the mean pre-test practice score (8.23) with a SD of +7.5. The paired ‘t’ test computed between pre-test and post-test knowledge scores (t = 67.6) and practice scores (t = 5.28) were highly significant at p ≤ 0.05 level. A significant association was found between the pre-test knowledge scores and monthly family income (p < 0.05 level). ConclusionThis study highlights that post-natal mothers have a lack of expertise in caring for their LBW babies. The NLSTP targeted at improving the knowledge and practices of post-natal mothers regarding the care of their LBW babies can help reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of LBW babies.