LBW Infants Research Articles

PEMBERIAN ASI EKSLUSIF, SUPLEMEN VITAMIN A DAN ASUPAN SENG DENGAN RISIKO KEJADIAN PNEUMONIA PADA ANAK BALITA DI PUSKESMAS PUUWATU KECAMATAN PUUWATU KOTA KENDARI

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children. Many factors can influence the increased incidence of pneumonia in young children, Among them are age, sex, nutritional status, low birth weight, immunization status, Exclusive breastfeeding, and vitamin A. This study aims to determine the relationship of exclusive breastfeeding, supplements vitamin A, and zinc intake with the incidence of pneumonia in children under five in sub-district Puskesmas Puuwatu Kendari. This study uses a case-control design. Take place at sub-district Puskesmas Puuwatu Kendari. A sample of 32 samples taken using P = prevalence of LBW infants (0.092%), d = absolute precision (10%), Z = confidence interval (95% = 1.96). Taken with accidental sampling technique, and performed on samples Matching namely age, where the age of the sample of cases and controls were age 1 to 5 years. Data analysis was conducted to see the value Odds Ratio (OR), Odds Ratio (OR) = ad/bc with confidence interval (CI) = 95%. The results showed that young children who are not breastfed Exclusive 3.4 times greater risk of pneumonia compared with exclusive breastfeeding of children under five, which marked the value of OR = 3.40. Infants and children who do not complete vitamin A supplementation 2.4 times greater risk of developing pneumonia than children under five who complete vitamin A supplementation, which marked the value of OR = 2.49. Infants and children who lack their zinc intake were 2.4 times greater risk of pneumonia compared with toddlers sufficient intake of tin, which is marked with OR = 2.43. This study concluded that children who are not breastfed Exclusive have an increased risk of pneumonia. Supplementation with vitamin A complete and sufficient zinc intake in children under five among children could reduce the incidence of pneumonia.

Effects of iron supplementation of low-birth-weight infants on cognition and behavior at 7 years: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLow-birth-weight infants (LBW) are at an increased risk of iron deficiency that has been associated with impaired neurodevelopment. We hypothesized that iron supplementation of LBW infants improves cognitive scores and reduces behavioral problems until school age.MethodsWe randomized 285 marginally LBW (2,000-2,500 g) infants to receive 0, 1, or 2 mg/kg/day of iron supplements from 6 weeks to 6 months of age. At 7 years of age, 205 participants were assessed regarding cognition using Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) and behavior using the parental questionnaires Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Five to Fifteen (FTF).ResultsThere were no significant differences between the intervention groups in WISC-IV or FTF. However, the CBCL scores for externalizing problems were significantly different, in favor of supplemented children (P=0.045). When combining the supplemented groups, they had significantly lower scores for externalizing behavior compared with placebo (median (interquartile range): 44 [34;51] vs. 48.5 [41;56] P=0.013), and their risk ratio (95% confidence interval) for a total behavioral score above the cutoff for clinical problems was 0.31 (0.09-1.0), P=0.054.ConclusionLower scores of externalizing behavior in supplemented children support our previous findings at 3 years, and suggest that iron supplementation may have long-lasting effects on behavioral functions.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMBINATION OF KANGAROO MOTHER CARE METHOD AND LULLABY MUSIC THERAPY ON VITAL SIGN CHANGE IN INFANTS WITH LOW BIRTH WEIGHT

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) and lullaby music methods have been considered as the alternative treatment for vital sign changes in low birth weight infants. However, little is known about the combination of the two methods.
 Objective: To identify effectiveness of combinations of Kangaroo mother care and Lullaby music methods on changes in vital signs in low birth weight infants.
 Methods: A quasi experiment with non-equivalent control group design. This study was conducted on October– December 2016 at the General Hospital of Ambarawa and General Hospital of Ungaran, Semarang, Indonesia. There were 36 samples selected using consecutive sampling divided into three groups, namely: 1) a group of low birth weight infants with the combination of KMC and lullaby music, 2) an low birth weight infant group with the lullaby music intervention, and 3) a control group given standard care in low birth weight infants by KMC method. Paired t-test and MANOVA test were used to analyzed the data.
 Results: Findings revealed that there were significant differences between the combination group, lullaby music group, and control group in temperature (p=0.003), pulse (p=0.001), respiration (p=0.001), and oxygen saturation (p=0.014) with significant value of <0.05, which indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in vital sign changes among the three groups.
 Conclusion: The combination of KMC method and lullaby music intervention was effective on vital sign changes (temperature, pulse, respiration, and oxygen saturation) compared with the lullaby music group alone and control group with KMC method in low birth weight infants. It is suggested that the combination of KMC and lullaby music methods can be used as an alternative to improve low birth weight care for mothers in the NICU and at home and to reach the stability of the baby's vital signs.

Acceptance of The Kangaroo Care Method by Mothers in Rural Area

We evaluate the acceptance of Kangaroo Care Method (KCM) among ruralmother giving birth to LBW infants in the rural health centers of 3 provinces in Indonesia, from June 1 through November 30, 1997. All mothers giving birth to LBW infants (birth weight 1500-2500 grams) seen by the rural team on the first day with no morbidity requiring hospitalisation were included in this study. One hundred and sixteen mothers fulfilled the criteria, most of them (62.1%) were between 20-29 years of age. Birthweight between 2000-2500 grams was found in 86.2%, of infants, and 67.3% are fullterm small for date babies. Most respondents accepted the KCM because they were interested in a new and practical method showed by the midwife; 11.8% accepted it because it resembled the local habit. All the mothers in the three locations had a positive perception on the benefit of KCM; 90% found that their babies were more calm, 92.7%, said that their babies slept more and 85.4% said that their babies breastfed more often. As for their feelings, everyone said that they felt happy. As many as 86.4% of mothers practiced the use of KCM during the 28 days, but only 40% of them used them for a total of more than 5 hours a day. More than 80% of the mothers had support from the family and more than 60% had a substitute for the KCM. We conclude that KCM was feasible and acceptable among the rural community.

Prevention of Hypothermia of Low Birth Infants Using The Kangaroo Method

Hypothermia is a common problem in neonates and an important contributory factor to neonatal mortality and morbidity. The results of an evaluation involving several health facilities and health personnel showed that thermal control practices were frequently inadequate in the following areas: ensuring a warm environment at the time of delivery, initiation of breastfeeding and contact with mother, bathing, checking the baby's temperature, thermal protection of low birth weight babies, and care during transportation. During kangaroo method (K-M) the infant is in skin to skin contact with the mother. A pilot study conducted on LBW infants discharged from the General Hospital in Bandung, and follow-up for 4 consecutive weeks showed the skin temperature to be well maintained. Weight increase was more stable compared to the control group and there were no re-hospitalization within the observation period. K-M has a simple and natural appeal, cold stress can be avoided; perhaps the most important benefit of K-M is improvement of lactation. In developing countries especially rural areas, temperature regulation and maintenance of lactation using K-M may be lifesaving for very low birth infants.

101 Effect of oxygen therapy in early neotnatal life on capillary microcirculation and blood pressure in low birth weight infants

BackgroundLow birth weight (LBW) is a risk factor for adult essential hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and cardiovascular disease mortality in later life. Individuals with history of LBW have many abnormalities...

Human Milk Provision Experiences, Goals, and Outcomes for Teen Mothers with Low-Birth-Weight Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Breastfeeding rates are virtually unknown for teen mothers whose low-birth-weight (LBW; <2500 gm) infants are hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The objective was to examine the infant feeding experiences, goals, and outcomes of teen mothers of LBW infants. We conducted a multimethod study using a qualitative research design, survey, and infant medical records. The primary data source was individual interviews conducted with teen mothers of LBW infants hospitalized in a tertiary NICU. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. All 15 teen mothers (12 black, 3 Hispanic) wanted what was best for their infants and initiated lactation by breast pump. However, maintaining lactation was challenging and the following barriers were identified: fear of being judged; body image issues; influence of the maternal grandmother; and disorganized thought processes about combining pumping with returning to school or work. Despite these barriers, 50% of the teen mothers met their goals for human milk provision at NICU discharge. Most of the teen mothers' lactation barriers reflected their adolescent developmental stage. Potential interventions are identified and include focus groups with teen mothers and maternal grandmothers and lactation support by NICU-based teen breastfeeding peer counselors.

Nutritional support for low birth weight infants: insights from animal studies.

Infants born with low birth weights (<2500 g, LBW), accounting for about 15 % of newborns, have a high risk for postnatal growth failure and developing the metabolic syndromes such as type 2 diabetes, CVD and obesity later in life. Improper nutrition provision during critical stages, such as undernutrition during the fetal period or overnutrition during the neonatal period, has been an important mediator of these metabolic diseases. Considering the specific physiological status of LBW infants, nutritional intervention and optimisation during early life merit further attention. In this review, the physiological and metabolic defects of LBW infants were summarised from a nutritional perspective. Available strategies for nutritional interventions and optimisation of LBW infants, including patterns of nutrition supply, macronutrient proportion, supplementation of amino acids and their derivatives, fatty acids, nucleotides, vitamins, minerals as well as hormone and microbiota manipulators, were reviewed with an aim to provide new insights into the advancements of formulas and human-milk fortifiers.

Do Preterm Infants Perceive Temporal Synchrony? An Analysis with the Eye-Tracking System

The aim of this study was to investigate auditory–visual temporal asynchrony in preterm infants using a habituation procedure coupled with an eye-tracking system in order to examine visual behavior accurately and determine specific visual areas of interest. Sixteen term infants, twelve low-risk near-term (LBW) preterm infants and eight Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) preterm infants were tested at four months post term. Infants were habituated with an auditory–visual synchronic situation: a visual ball bounced back in synchrony with an auditory sound. In the test phase, an asynchronized situation and a synchronized situation were presented alternately three times. The results showed that VLBW infants spent more time looking at the target before being habituated compared to LBW preterm infants and full-term infants. Specific areas of interest showed that VLBW infants spent less time on the target than LBW and full-term infants and had a more heterogeneous visual exploration. Nevertheless, VLBW infants had the same novelty reaction as the other infant groups. Moreover, the study of areas of interest revealed that whatever the age group, infants looked more at the area where the sound was produced during the asynchronized trial. This result suggests that infants perceive asynchrony. We suggest that VLBW preterm infants show the same ability to habituate and novelty recovery through an early learning experience due to earlier additional extra-uterine exposure.

Necrotizing enterocolitis in low birth weight infants in China: Mortality risk factors expressed by birth weight categories

We retrospectively investigated incidence, morbidity, and mortality of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis in China, with special emphasis on determining the predictors of necrotizing enterocolitis associated mortality. We identified neonates as having necrotizing enterocolitis if they met the accepted diagnostic criterion. Data pertaining to antenatal period, labor and birth, and the postnatal course of illness were collected. Multivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors. There were 1167 cases of necrotizing enterocolitis identified from the 95 participating NICUs in mainland China in 2011, with the incidence of 2.50% and 4.53% in LBW (birth weight <2500g) and VLBW (birth weight <1500g) infants, respectively. Stage 1, 2 and 3 diseases were noted in 51.1%, 30.3% and 18.6% of cases respectively. The mortality from stage 2 and 3 necrotizing enterocolitis in this cohort was 41.7%. In VLBW infants, the important risk factors for mortality were small for gestation age (OR: 5.02, 95% CI 1.73-14.6; P=0.003) and stage 3 NEC (OR: 8.09, 95% CI 2.80-23.3, P<0.001). In moderate LBW infants (birth weight 1500-2499g), the risk factors identified for mortality were sepsis during hospitalization (OR: 2.59, 95% CI 1.57-4.28, P<0.001) and stage 3 NEC (OR: 5.37, 95% CI 3.24-8.90; P<0.001). Necrotizing enterocolitis remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in prematurely born neonates in Chinese neonatal units. Awareness of the associated risk factors and appropriate interventions may improve the outcome of necrotizing enterocolitis in different birth weight subgroup.

Posterior urethral valves: Impact of low birth weight and preterm delivery on the final renal outcome

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between low birth weight (LBW; <2.5kg) and preterm delivery (<37weeks gestational age) and final renal outcome in infants with posterior urethral valves (PUVs), emphasising the risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients and methodsA retrospective review was performed for all infants with PUVs who were treated between 1990 and 2010. In all, 52 infants were identified to have LBW and/or delivered preterm (Group 1). Infants in Group 1 were compared with a matching group (Group 2) of 60 full-term normal birth weight (NBW) infants with PUVs managed during the same period. The outcome of both groups was analysed. ResultsDuring follow-up, CKD developed in 17 (32.5%) and 22 patients (36.5%) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P=0.812). Patients with LBW or delivered preterm had significantly higher incidence of oligohydramnios (P=0.009), increased risk of vesicostomy (P<0.001), longer hospital stay (P<0.001), and higher incidence of vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR, P=0.024). In the LBW patients, initial serum creatinine, nadir serum creatinine, oligohydramnios and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) length of stay were significant predictors of final renal outcome (P<0.001, P=0.002, P=0.004 and P=0.012, respectively). ConclusionIn our cohort of LBW and preterm delivery infants with PUVs, outcomes were similar to those of NBW full-term infants with PUVs but with an increased risk of vesicostomy, longer hospital stay, and higher incidence of VUR. LBW was associated with oligohydramnios, longer NICU admission, high initial and nadir serum creatinine, which were associated with a poor prognosis.

Low Birth Weight in Neonates of Iran 2015

Background: Low birth weight has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as weight at birth of less than 2500 grams. Any baby born prematurely is more likely to be small. However there are other factors that can also contribute to the risk of low birth weight, these include: race, mothers’ age, multiple births, mothers’ health and mothers of lower socioeconomic status. The incidence of low birth weight is monitored through both health system surveillance and household surveys. Among regions, South Asia has the highest incidence of low birth weight, with one in four newborns weighing less than 2500 grams. In a study in Iran the prevalence of LBW was estimated 7 percent (SD 95%), prevalence of LBW is different according to the geographical region. Methods: Demographic data got from mothers and children height and weight measured by trained staffs in and out of hospital and health facilities. Results: Total number of births in Iran in 2015 is 1,509,081 that from this 777,351 are male, 731,014 are female and 716 ambiguous. The percentage of LBW in male, female and ambiguous is 6.5, 7.7 and 53.9 respectively. The highest percent of LBW in female was related to Sistan Blochestan province with 12.6 and the lowest percent to Lorestan province with 5.6 percent. Discussion: According to the guidelines published by World Health Organization (WHO), any neonate with a birth weight less than 2500 grams is considered to be LBW. LBW and PTM are leading causes of adverse perinatal outcomes and are closely related to neonatal diseases and deaths. In the world, there are more than 20 million LBW infants born each year that 95.6% are born in developing countries. In the present study, the number of LBW neonate in male, female and ambiguous was 50,569, 55,972 and 386; the percentage of LBW in male, female and ambiguous was 6.5, 7.7 and 53.9 respectively. Regarding the prognosis of LBW, with development of perinatology, the survival rate of LBW infants has substantially increased. However, some adverse outcomes are still relatively common, especially long-term complications such as cerebral palsy, delayed neurodevelopment and visual and hearing impairments. Conclusions: The incidence of LBW in Iran is higher in deprived provinces such as Sistan Blochestan in southeast of Iran.

Effect of Planned Teaching Programme on Knowledge of Immediate Care of Low Birth Weight Babies among Staff Nurses working in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in selected Hospitals of an Urban Area

A baby born with a birth weight of less than 2500 grams is termed as low birth weight baby. In India, 2 out of 10 term babies are born with low birth weight. The prevalence of low birth weight exists universally in all population. Low birth weight with high mortality and morbidity continuous to be a major health problem in India. Half of the prenatal and one third of the infant mortality is due to low birth weight. Low birth weight is also an important indirect cause of neonatal deaths. It contributes to 60% to 80% of all neonatal deaths. The global prevalence of LBW is 15.5%, which amounts to about 20 million LBW infants born each year, 96.5% of them in developing countries.

Asian/White differences in the relationship of maternal age to low birth weight: Analysis of the PRAMS Survey, 2004–2011

This study aimed to examine (a) maternal age patterns of low birth weight (LBW; birth weight < 2,500 g) for non-Hispanic (N-H) Asian and N-H White women, and (b) Asian–White gaps in LBW risk by maternal age and their mechanisms. Logistic regression analyses were performed on the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data of N-H Asian and N-H White women who delivered their first singleton birth without birth defects in 13 states between 2004 and 2011. Age- and race/ethnicity-specific LBW risk was estimated, unadjusted and adjusted for maternal risk factors (e.g., marital status, maternal education, pregnancy intention, stress, maternal morbidities, smoking, and prenatal care) and their interactions with maternal age or race/ethnicity. The interaction between maternal age and race/ethnicity was statistically significant (p < .0001) with covariates and interactions held constant. N-H Asian women showed a reverse W-shaped maternal-age pattern of LBW with the highest risk in their late 30s (OR = 1.56, 95% CI [1.26, 1.94]) whereas N-H White women experienced a maternal age-related increase in LBW. N-H Asian women were more likely to deliver LBW infant than their N-H White counterparts between their late 20s and late 30s, with the greatest racial/ethnic gap in their late 20s (OR = 4.19, 95% CI [3.33, 5.29]). Preventive strategies should be developed targeting N-H Asian women aged 25 to 39 years to reduce the Asian–White disparities in LBW. Considering the known maternal risk factors failed to explain such disparities, future research is warranted to explore other risk factors unique to this at-risk population.

Influence of maternal factors onthesuccessful outcome of kangaroo mother care in low birth-weight infants: Arandomized controlled trial.

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is associated with positive neonatal outcomes. Studies demonstrated significant influence of maternal factors on the success of applying KMC. To determine maternal factors that influence on anthropometric parameters in low birth weight babies that received kangaroo mother care. This is a randomized controlled study that involved low birth weight newborns. We randomly assigned newborns into two groups; a group who received KMC and a group who received conventional care. Maternal factors were recorded. We followed weight, length, and head circumferences of newborns for thirty days. A total of 40 newborns were included. Weight parameters were significantly higher in the KMC group than the conventional group. From maternal characteristics, only gestational age was found to influence increased head circumference in KMC group (p = 0.035); however, it did not affect the increase in weight or length. Maternal age, parity, education, mode of delivery, fetal sex, and initial Apgar score did not influence growth parameters in either groups. KMC was associated with increased weight gain in LBW infants. Gestational age influences head growth in infants who received KMC.

Effect of kangaroo mother care in the management of low birth weight babies one year randomized controlled trial at NRI hospital

Introduction: Hypothermia and infections are frequently factors for poor outcome of premature /LBW babies. Methods: A one year randomized controlled trial was conducted among 60 neonates born and admitted in NICU, department of paediatrics, NRI medical college, Guntur. Mothers with LBW infants were enrolled after taking informed consent. Babies were randomised into KMC group and CMC group with 30 babies in each group. In both groups, physiological stability, growth, promotion of breast feeding, bonding and confidence of mothers in taking care of their LBW babies were assessed. Both groups were followed till they reached 2.5 kg on scheduled visits. Results: In the present study, it was observed that all babies of KMC maintained temperature in normal range. 36.5 to 37.5 compared to 86.6% of control babies. The mean weight gain (15.73 gm in KMC versus 11.63 gm in CMC, P< 0.0001 ) and mean head circumference at 2.5 kg, ( 34.440.5+4 cm in KMC VS 33.220+54 cm 33.221.0+5 cm in CMC), p< 0.0001 were significantly higher in KMC group. There was no significant difference in mean length between both the groups. The confidence level of mothers in caring for their LBW infants was significantly higher in KMC group p< 0.0001. Conclusion: KMC is a cost effective, safe, most acceptable method of caring for LBW babies.

Are low birth weight neonates at risk for suboptimal renal growth and function during infancy?

BackgroundTo assess the renal growth and function of neonates during infancy in relation to birth weight and gestational age.MethodsA longitudinal study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in South India from June 2010 to August 2014. Low birth weight neonates (LBW) were further sub-classified based on gestational age and compared with normal birth weight (NBW) full term neonates at birth, 6 months and 18-24months of age. The renal volume was measured by ultrasound and renal function by Cystatin C- derived glomerular filtration rate (CysGFR) at the three time points during the dynamic phase of renal maturation in infancy.ResultsWe recruited 100 LBW and 66 NBW term neonates. Thirty five percent of the LBW neonates were SGA. Among the AGA neonates, 39 % were LBW neonates. The mean height and weight of the LBW neonates were significantly lower compared to NBW neonates throughout infancy. The increment in kidney volume was in accordance with the change in body size, being lower in LBW compared to NBW infants. The combined kidney volume was significantly lower in LBW and SGA neonates across all three time points (p < 0.001). CysGFR in the LBW and SGA infants, despite having low kidney volumes, were comparable to the GFRs of NBW and AGA neonates at the end of infancy.ConclusionThis study highlights the fact that both birth weight and gestational age influence kidney growth and function in infancy. At the end of infancy, despite a significant difference in kidney volumes and age at last follow up, the glomerular filtration rate was comparable between LBW and NBW infants. Though not statistically significant, there was a trend towards higher urine microalbumin in LBW compared to NBW in infancy.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12882-016-0314-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of pregnancy-induced hypertension on fetal growth

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is still a major cause of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study to investigate the impact of PIH on fetal growth.Methods: A longitudinal cross-sectional study was conducted by 2,076 obstetric patients registered in the book of delivery emergency room BLUD RSUD Ende/ Ende hospital from September 1st 2014 to August 31st 2015. Pregnancy-induced hypertension was classified into gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and severe preeclampsia. Categorical comparative chi-square continued by logistic regression analysis were performed to examine the effect of PIH to infants’ growth outcome.Results: Women with preeclampsia had higher number of preterm delivery (26.7%). Infants born from preeclamptic women had lower birth weight (median 2,575 gram; p&lt;0.001), birth length (median 49 cm; p&lt;0.001), and also head circumference (median 32 cm; p&lt;0.001). Severe preeclampsia contributed statistically significance to SGA (OR=1.90; 95% CI=1.20-3.01; adjusted OR=1.91; 95% CI=1.20-3.01) and LGA (OR=2.70; 95% CI=1.00-7.29; adjusted OR=2.92; 95% CI=1.07-8.00). Based on birth weight independent of gestational age, severe preeclampsia had an impact to VLBW (OR=11.45; 95% CI=2.77-47.38; adjusted OR=8.68; 95% CI=1.57-48.04) and LBW (OR=6.57; 95% CI=4.01-10.79; adjusted OR=5.71; 95% CI=3.33-9.78) where it showed statistical significance.Conclusion: PIH women who had SGA or VLBL or LBW infants were caused by the hypoperfusion model as the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Meanwhile, LGA infants born by preeclamptic women were due to the compensation of the decrease from uteroplacental perfusion or other diseases such as obese mother or gestational.diabetes mellitus.

Quality of harness fit for normal and low birthweight infants observed among newborns in infant car seats

IntroductionChild restraint fit is important for crash protection. For newborns, standards universally require a rear-facing restraint and some upper limit on size, but historically there has been no specification of...

Paternal Lifelong Socioeconomic Position and Low Birth Weight Rates: Relevance to the African-American Women's Birth Outcome Disadvantage.

Objectives To determine the relation of paternal lifelong socioeconomic position (SEP) to the racial disparity in low birth weight (<2500g, LBW) rates. Methods Stratified and multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed on an Illinois transgenerational dataset of infants (1989-1991) and their parents (1956-1976) with appended U.S. census income data. The neighborhood incomes of father's place of residence at the time of his birth and at the time of his infant's birth were used to measure of lifelong SEP. Population attributable risk (PAR) percentages were calculated to estimate the percentage of LBW infants attributable to paternal low SEP. Results In Cook County, infants (n=10,168) born to fathers with a lifelong high SEP had a LBW rate of 3.7%. LBW rates rose among infants born to fathers with early-life (n=7224), adulthood (n=2913), or lifelong (n=7288) low SEP: 5.2, 6.9, and 9.3%, respectively. The adjusted (controlling for maternal demographic characteristics) OR of LBW for fathers with an early-life, adulthood, or lifelong low (compared to lifelong high) SEP equaled 1.4 (1.2, 1.6), 1.5 (1.3, 1.9), and 2.0 (1.7, 2.3), respectively. The PAR percentages of LBW for paternal low SEP were 40 and 9% among African-American and White mothers, respectively. Among fathers with a lifelong high SEP, the adjusted OR of LBW for African-American (compared to White) mothers was 1.1 (0.7, 1.7). Conclusions Low paternal SEP is a novel risk factor for infant LBW independent of maternal demographic characteristics. This phenomenon is particularly relevant to the African-American women's birth outcome disadvantage.