Low Birth Weight Neonates Research Articles

Head Injuries Related to Birth Trauma in Low Birthweight Neonates During Vacuum Extraction.

Introduction Preterm delivery (gestational age <34w) is a relative contraindication to vacuum extraction. Current data do not differentiate clearly between preterm delivery and low birthweight. We aimed to evaluate the impact of non-metal vacuum cup extraction on neonatal head injuries related to birth trauma in newborns with low birthweights (<2500g). Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort of 3377 singleton pregnancies delivered by vacuum extraction from 2014 to 2019. All were gestational age ≥34w. We compared 206 (6.1%) neonates with low birthweights <2500g to 3171 (93.9%) neonates with higher birthweights, divided into 3 subgroups (2500-2999g, 3000-3499g, and ≥3500g). A primary composite outcome of neonatal head injuries related to birth trauma was defined. Results The lowest rates of subgaleal hematoma occurred in neonates <2500g (0.5%); the rate increased with every additional 500g of neonatal birthweight (3.5%, 4.4% and 8.0% in the 2500-2999g, 3000-3499g, and ≥3500g groups, respectively; p=0.001). Fewer cephalohematomas occurred in low birthweight neonates (0.5% in <2500g), although the percentage increased with every additional 500g of birthweight (2.6%, 3.3% and 3.7% in the 2500-2999g, 3000-3499g, and ≥3500g groups, respectively, p=0.020). Logistic regression found increasing birthweight to be a significant risk factor for head injuries during vacuum extraction, with adjusted odds ratios of 8.12, 10.88, and 13.5 for 2500-2999g, 3000-3499g, and ≥3500g, respectively (p=0.016). NICU hospitalization rates were highest for neonates weighing <2500g (10.2%) compared to the other groups (3.1%, 1.7% and 3.3% in 2500-2999g, 3000-3499g, ≥3500 respectively, p<0.001). Conclusions Vacuum extraction of neonates weighing <2500g at 34w and beyond seems to be a safe mode of delivery when indicated, with lower rates of head injury related to birth trauma, compared to neonates with higher birthweights.

Prediction of extubation failure among low birthweight neonates using machine learning.

To develop machine learning models predicting extubation failure in low birthweight neonates using large amounts of clinical data. Retrospective cohort study using MIMIC-III, a large single-center, open-source clinical dataset. Logistic regression and boosted-tree (XGBoost) models using demographics, medications, and vital sign and ventilatory data were developed to predict extubation failure, defined as reintubation within 7 days. 1348 low birthweight (≤2500 g) neonates who received mechanical ventilation within the first 7 days were included, of which 350 (26%) failed a trial of extubation. The best-performing model was a boosted-tree model incorporating demographics, vital signs, ventilator parameters, and medications (AUROC 0.82). The most important features were birthweight, last FiO2, average mean airway pressure, caffeine use, and gestational age. Machine learning models identified low birthweight ventilated neonates at risk for extubation failure. These models will need to be validated across multiple centers to determine generalizability of this tool.

A comparative study of head circumference and foot length as a measure of low birth weight in neonates

Background: Birth weight is the single most important indicator of survival, growth and overall development of the child. New-borns with less than 2.5 kg birth weight are termed as low birth weight (LBW). Approximately 28% babies in India are LBW. LBW is associated with high neonatal morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of LBW and apt intervention can lead to favourable outcome. The 70-80% of births take place either at home or at peripheral hospitals. Measuring birth weight is difficult in India due to resource limited set up. There is a need of alternative methods to detect LBW which should be simple, handy, quick and cost effective. Hence, we decided to do study of correlation of calf muscle circumference and chest circumference with birth weight to determine LBW in new-borns. Aim of the study was to study head circumference and foot length in diagnosing LBW babies. Objectives were to correlate above-said anthropometric parameters with birth weight and to decide indicator with better correlation with birth weight amongst head circumference and foot length Method: Its a cross sectional study conducted in tertiary care centre in North Maharashtra. The 162 new-borns (34- 42 weeks gestation) were included in Study. Birth weight, head circumference, and foot length were measured with appropriate scientific method. Results are analyzed with SPSS software and Microsoft excel. Results: Cut-off value to detect LBW is 31cm and 8.2 cm for head circumference and foot length respectively. Head circumference had better correlation (r=0.73) as compared to foot length (r=0.30). Head circumference has 87% sensitivity and 68% specificity as compare to foot length which has 74.8% sensitivity and 46.8% specificity respectively. Conclusions: Head circumference and foot length circumference can be used to determine LBW, though larger study with a greater number of patients is needed to establish precise correlation.

Factors associated with respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates admitted to a tertiary hospital in Kabul city: A retrospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrematurity is one of the primary causes of infant death in Afghanistan, and it complicates a variety of critical issues, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Although RDS has been associated with serious consequences, there is a lack of scientific information on the associated factors of this problem in Afghanistan; hence, this study was undertaken to fill that gap. The purpose of this study was to find the occurrence rate and associated factors of RDS in premature neonates. MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children Hospital in Kabul City, Afghanistan during 2020–2021. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 26 and specific statistical methods. ResultsA total of 78 preterm newborns were enrolled in this study, and respiratory distress syndrome developed in 51.3% of them. Based on gestational age, the occurrence rates of RDS within groups of extremely, early, moderate and late preterm neonates were 100%, 55.6%, 44%, and 35.7% respectively. The occurrence of RDS was found to be 100% in extremely low birth weight, 56.2% in very low birth weight, and 58.8% in low birth weight neonates. The gestational ages of these infants had a positive correlation with birth weights (r = 0.648, p = 0.01, n = 78). The preterm neonates in the RDS group versus the non-RDS group had a mean birth weight of (1610±314.4 g vs 1981±520.3 g,P = 0.005), a mean gestational age of (31.65±2.2 w vs 33.18± 2.10 w,P = 0.003), and a mean hemoglobin level of (13.85± 3.28 g vs16.09± 3.26 g, P = 0.003). There was a significant association between RDS and neonatal anemia (AOR=5.9, P = 0.008), neonatal sepsis (AOR=4.2, P = 0.01), vaginal delivery (AOR=8.7, P = 0.01), delivery at low-resourced settings (AOR=2.7, P = 0.01), PROM (AOR=4, P = 0.02), and antepartum hemorrhage (6.9, P = 0.01). The mortality rate in preterm neonates was found to be 26.8% that was significantly associated with very and extremely low birth weights (AOR=8.2, P = 0.03), early and extremely preterm births (AOR=6.3, P = 0.03), female gender (AOR=3.8, P = 0.04), antepartum hemorrhage (AOR=4.6, P = 0.01) and PROM (AOR=5.7, P = 0.01). ConclusionsRDS was highly prevalent in preterm newborns, and the highest rates were seen within groups of extremely preterm and extremely low-birth-weight newborn babies. RDS was found to be associated with lower neonatal birth weight, gestational age, and hemoglobin level, as well as neonatal anemia, neonatal sepsis, vaginal delivery, birth in low-resource settings, PROM, and antepartum hemorrhage. The neonatal mortality in preterm neonates was higher than high-income country. Proper management of the aforementioned associated factors will reduce the incidence of RDS and neonatal mortality in preterm neonates.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Interventions to Improve Breastfeeding Rates at Discharge Among Preterm and Low Birth Weight Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: While breast milk is widely accepted as the best source of nutrients for almost all newborns, breastfeeding can be especially challenging for preterm and low birth weight (LBW) infants. With increased risk of admission to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and separation from parents, this population experiences significant barriers to successful breastfeeding. Thus, it is crucial to identify interventions that can optimize breastfeeding for preterm and LBW infants that is continued from birth and admission, through to hospital discharge and beyond. Objectives: To identify and analyze evidence-based interventions that promote any and exclusive breastfeeding among preterm and LBW neonates at discharge and/or postdischarge from hospital. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Searches were performed in the following databases: MEDLINE Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL). Results: From the 42 studies included, 6 groups of intervention types were identified: educational and breastfeeding support programs, early discharge, oral stimulation, artificial teats and cups, kangaroo mother care (KMC), and supportive policies within NICUs. All groupings of interventions were associated with significantly increased rates of any breastfeeding at discharge. All types of interventions except artificial teats/cups and oral stimulation showed statistically significant increases in exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. KMC demonstrated the highest increased odds of breastfeeding at discharge among preterm and LBW infants. Conclusions: A variety of effective interventions exist to promote breastfeeding among hospitalized preterm and LBW infants. Hospital settings hold unique opportunities for successful breastfeeding promotion. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021252610.

Relationship between Placental Pathology and Birth Weight of Newborns at a Tertiary Care Centre in Central Kerala, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Even minor changes in the placenta are associated with the mortality and morbidity of the growing foetus and mother, which may have long-standing effects on the foetus. Aim: To study the relationship between placental pathological changes and the birth weight of newborn infants. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted at Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (MOSC) Medical College, Kolenchery, Ernakulam, Kerala, India, over a period of two months, all inborn neonates, irrespective of gestational age, were considered. The first 63 placental samples (with birth weight &lt;2.5 kg) were taken as cases, and the immediately succeeding next 63 were taken as controls (birth weight &gt;2.5 kilograms). At birth, neonatal details including birth weight, gestational age, placental weight, Small for Gestational Age (SGA)/ Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA)/Large for Gestational Age (LGA), etc., were noted. The placentae were carefully removed, weighed before fixation, and subjected to pathological examination (including gross and microscopic examination). Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 14.0 software by Chi-square test. Results: A total of 126 placentae were examined. Increased fibrin deposition in the placenta (perivillous, intervillous, or subchorionic) was associated with Low Birth Weight (LBW) neonates (p-value=0.024), but infarcts were not. Increased fibrin deposition in the placenta (p-value=0.016) and infarcts in the placenta (p-value=0.02) were associated with SGA neonates. However, other findings like haemorrhage, thrombus, calcification, metaplasia, necrosis, vasculopathy, infections, fibrosis, vasculitis were not found to be associated with LBW or SGA neonates. There was a moderate positive correlation between placental weight and the birth weight of neonates (r-value=0.59). Conclusion: Abnormal histopathological changes like infarcts and fibrin deposition in the placenta result in LBW infants. Therefore, proper antenatal screening of the mother for immunology-based rejection-like disorders, maternal coagulopathies, and imbalances between angiogenic or antiangiogenic pathways is necessary. Regular follow-up of infants with placental pathological changes are also essential.

A cross-sectional study of clinical features of bacterial meningitis among neonates presumed to have sepsis in a tertiary hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Identifying meningitis among neonates is usually challenging given the non-specific presentation and overlap with neonatal sepsis. This study was aimed at determining the pertinent clinical features that would suggest bacterial meningitis among infants with signs of possible serious bacterial infection and their outcomes. This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among neonates presenting with clinical features of sepsis admitted at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) between May and December 2015. Detailed clinical features, blood cultures, and cerebrospinal fluid were obtained. The specimens were tested at the Central Pathology Laboratory at MNH. Short-term clinical outcome was also determined for recruited participants. One hundred and twenty-six neonates met the inclusion criteria and were recruited, males were 67 (53.2%) and the mean age of participants was 10.4 ± 7.9 days. Features of meningitis were noted among 19% (24/126) and very low birth weight neonates were observed to have a statistically higher prevalence of meningitis (p=0.038). Bacterial isolates from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture were Klebsiella spp and E. coli, while predominant isolates from blood culture were Klebsiella spp (35%) and E. coli (20.6%). There was high resistance to ampicillin (91.2%), cloxacillin (94.1%), gentamycin (50%), and ceftriaxone (50%). A high mortality of 24.9% was noted. Neonatal meningitis is common among neonates with sepsis, and bacterial isolates were resistant to routinely used antibiotics. High mortality attributed to meningitis was noted at Muhimbili National Hospital.

Factors Associated with an Inadequate Volume of Expressed Milk Among Mothers of Preterm and Low Birth Weight Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Government Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Around 15 million live newborns are born prematurely each year around the world before 37 weeks. One cause of inadequate nursing is prematurity. The goal of this study was to find parameters linked to an insufficient volume of expressed milk among mothers of preterm and low birth weight neonates at government hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. An nstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 124 mothers who were available in neonatal intensive care units during the study period in government hospitals that provided such units. One-third of the responders (33.9%) were unable to express the necessary amount of milk. An inadequate volume of expressed breast milk was significantly associated with a baby's stable health status (AOR=0.24; CI=0.07-0.86), the fair (subcritical) health status of the baby (AOR=0.178; CI=0.04-0.76), worry about the volume of milk (AOR=7.50; CI=3.32-16.95), and worry about the baby's health status (AOR=4.63; CI=2.21-9.70). According to our findings, 33.9% of mothers were unable to express sufficient amounts of milk. To produce an adequate volume of expressed breast milk, health care workers must address mothers' psychological issues in the neonatal intensive care units and give all necessary care to prevent neonatal deterioration.

Stress, postpartum depression, and anxiety in mothers of neonates admitted in the NICU: A cross-sectional hospital-based study.

Mothers of neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience heightened distress, anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms. Despite their prevalence, these conditions are generally neither recognized nor treated due to the constraints of time and concerns about the social acceptability of screening. To study stress, postpartum depression, and anxiety in mothers of neonates admitted to the NICU. One hundred forty consecutive mothers having preterm and low birth weight neonates in the NICU were taken for the study as cases and an equal number of mothers of full-term neonates matched for age and socioeconomic status (SES), were recruited as controls with their informed consent. Subjects were assessed with the Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptom Scale (PSS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS). Mothers of preterm neonates in NICU had significantly higher scores on the ASDS, PSS, EPDS, and PASS compared to controls. There was a significant association of ASDS and PSS scores with younger age, higher education, middle SES, joint family, urban residence, unplanned pregnancy, and male child. There was a significant association of the EPDS scores with lower SES, low education, unemployment, and male child. There was a significant association of the PASS scores with younger age, lower SES, and cesarean section. Mothers of preterm neonates admitted to the NICU compared to controls have significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Prevalence of Low Birth Weight and its Association With Anemia in White Nile State, Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Low birth weight (LBW) remains a global health concern, especially in sub-Saharan African countries with fewer resources, such as Sudan. Despite ongoing preventive measures, LBW is still one of the main health problems and it is a leading risk factor for several adverse perinatal and neonatal outcomes. To assess the prevalence of and factors associated (mainly maternal anemia) with LBW at Rabak Maternity Hospital, White Nile, Central Sudan. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving live singleton newborns and their mothers who presented to Rabak Maternity Hospital from September to December 2021. Questionnaires were completed via face-to-face interviews to gather maternal information (maternal age, parity, history of miscarriage, educational status, and level of antenatal care [ANC]). Maternal hemoglobin levels were measured using an automated hematology analyzer. The neonate's birth weight and sex were recorded. Two hundred and fifty-three newborns were enrolled in this study, 40 (15.8%) of whom were LBW neonates. The median (interquartile range) maternal age and parity were 25 (21.0-30.0) years and 2 (1-4), respectively. While gestational age, maternal hemoglobin, and maternal anemia were associated with LBW, maternal age, parity, a history of miscarriage, education level, and level of ANC were not associated with LBW in the univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that gestational age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.66-0.96) and maternal hemoglobin (AOR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.52-0.86) were inversely associated with LBW. Maternal anemia was associated with LBW (AOR = 4.70, 95% CI = 2.06-10.94). LBW is a major health concern in White Nile, Sudan. Maternal age and maternal anemia are associated with LBW. Preventive measures for managing maternal anemia may help reduce the incidence of LBW.

Abstract P074: Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes among early-onset colorectal cancer survivors: a nationwide case-control study

Abstract Purpose: Early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC diagnosed before age 50) has risen worldwide, with an increasing number of survivors of reproductive age. We aimed to investigate the risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes among early-onset CRC survivors. Methods: We conducted a nationwide case-control study of 207 births in women with early-onset CRC and 1019 births in women without CRC from the general Swedish population (1992-2019), matched on age, calendar year of birth, parity, and county of residence. To control for genetic susceptibility and shared childhood exposures, we additionally identified 146 births in female siblings of the CRC survivors. Early-onset CRC cases were identified through the Swedish Cancer Register (1969-2019), and siblings were identified through the Swedish Multi-generation Register. Maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes were retrieved from the Swedish Medical Birth Register and National Patient Register. Using conditional logistic regression, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Compared to women without prior CRC, early-onset CRC survivors who gave birth had increased risk of pre-eclampsia (aOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.25 to 5.08), induced labor (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.46) and emergency Cesarean section (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.75), after adjustment for maternal education level, country of birth, body mass index and smoking in early pregnancy, and comorbidities. Sibling analyses showed similar trends, especially for higher risk of induced labor (aOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.03 to 6.49). Maternal history of early-onset CRC was also associated with offspring preterm birth (aOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.34 to 3.99) and low birth weight (aOR 2.95, 95% CI 1.40 to 6.21), and risks were particularly pronounced for medically indicated preterm birth (aOR 4.48, 95% CI 2.05 to 9.79). No significant associations were found for small for gestational age birth, low Apgar score, and congenital malformations. Conclusion: In this population-based study, history of early-onset CRC was associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pre-eclampsia, induction of labor, and emergency Cesarean section. Offspring to mothers with early-onset CRC also had increased risk of medically indicated preterm birth and neonatal low birth weight. Citation Format: Yin Cao, Stephanie Zhao, Tomas S. Bexelius, Jonas Söderling, Mengyao Shi, Bjorn Roelstraete, Barbara B. Warner, Olof Stephansson, Jonas F. Ludvigsson. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes among early-onset colorectal cancer survivors: a nationwide case-control study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Precision Prevention, Early Detection, and Interception of Cancer; 2022 Nov 17-19; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2023;16(1 Suppl): Abstract nr P074.

Neonatal Jaundice: Its Determinants Among Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Tigray Region General Hospitals, Northern Ethiopia.

Background. Despite the significant public health impact of neonatal jaundice on neonatal survival, local epidemiologic data are scarce. Methods. A multi-centered, unmatched case-control study was conducted among 180 consecutively admitted neonates (60 cases and 120 controls). The independent determinants of newborn jaundice were determined using a multivariable binary logistic regression model, and a P-value of <0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance. Results. Maternal medical complications during the index pregnancy (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI 1.01-5.97), rural residence (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI 1.02-9.42), being a low birthweight neonate (AOR = 3.42; 95% CI 1.12-10.41), neonatal B blood group (AOR = 10.19; 95% CI 2.89-35.9), neonatal O blood group (AOR = 2.99; 95% CI 1.04-8.59), and a longer duration of hospital stay (AOR = 9.83; 95% CI 3.11-31.02) were the independent determinants of neonatal jaundice. Conclusions. Early assessment of high-risk neonates might reduce the long-term neurodevelopmental consequences.

Study Of Cord Blood Zinc Levels in Low and Normal Birth Weight Neonates and Correlate with Their Mother’s Serum Zinc Levels

Study Of Cord Blood Zinc Levels in Low and Normal Birth Weight Neonates and Correlate with Their Mother’s Serum Zinc Levels

Prevalence and Missed Cases of Respiratory Distress Syndrome Disease Amongst Neonatal Deaths Enrolled in the Kenya Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance Network (CHAMPS) Program Between 2017 and 2021

Objectives. To describe RDS in neonatal deaths at the CHAMPS-Kenya site between 2017 and 2021. Methods. We included 165 neonatal deaths whose their Causes of death (COD) were determined by a panel of experts using data from post-mortem conducted through minimally invasive tissue specimen testing, clinical records, and verbal autopsy. Results. Twenty-six percent (43/165) of neonatal deaths were attributable to RDS. Most cases occurred in low birthweight and preterm neonates. From these cases, less than half of the hospitalizations were diagnosed with RDS before death, and essential diagnostic tests were not performed in most cases. Most cases received suboptimal levels of supplemental oxygen, and critical interventions like surfactant replacement therapy and mechanical ventilation were not adequately utilized when available. Conclusion. The study highlights the urgent need for improved diagnosis and management of RDS, emphasizing the importance of increasing clinical suspicion and enhancing training in its clinical management to reduce mortality rates.

A Comparative Study on Effectiveness of Oral Labetalol Versus Oral Nifedipine Used in the Treatment of Gestational Hypertension in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Background Gestational hypertension is associated with increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Drug treatment is generally reserved for moderate or severe cases of gestational hypertension. Nifedipine and labetalol are the drugs which are exclusively used in oral anti-hypertensives to treat gestational hypertension where both belong to Category-C. Hence a prospective observational study was designed to compare the effectiveness of oral labetalol versus oral nifedipine used in the treatment of gestational hypertension.Aim To compare the efficacy safety availability cost minimization prescribing patterns of oral labetalol and oral nifedipine in the treatment of gestational hypertension.Methodology This is a prospective observational study conducted in Chigateri district hospital Davanagere Tertiary care teaching hospital for a period of six months where data of 150 subjects diagnosed with gestational hypertension were obtained from the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology OBG from the case sheets during ward rounds. Out of this 27 cases are excluded due to insufficient data.Results Among the studied subjects only 59 47.97 were prescribed oral antihypertensive drugs either labetalol or nifedipine. 88.89 subjects treated with nifedipine showed low birth weight LBW and 51.1 subjects had preterm deliveries. Both labetalol and nifedipine were found to have similar efficacy but nifedipine was associated with low birth weight in more cases when given prenatally. Cost of generic medicines was found to be very less when compared to highly prescribed brands.Conclusion Both labetalol and nifedipine retard exhibited similar efficacy but the cost of nifedipine was less when compared to labetalol in highly prescribed brands. In generic drugs the margin of difference between the costs of both the drugs was found to be less. Among the subjects who were prescribed nifedipine prenatally low birth weight neonates and other fetal adverse effects were observed. Therefore labetalol may be prescribed prenatally while nifedipine can be prescribed postnatally considering both efficacy and cost factor.

Prolactin and its correlation with gestational age and birth weight in a new-born

Prolactin is analogous in certain respects to growth hormone and its role in growth and development of the fetus in utero is steadily emerging. It can serve as a predictor of fetal maturity in utero. Our objective was to study the correlation between Serum Cord Prolactin levels with birth weight and gestational age in antenatal cases. It was a prospective study enrolling 280 eligible pregnant women presenting to the labour room in a tertiary hospital. Umbilical cord serum prolactin was assayed by Chemiluminescent Micro particle Immunoassay and was correlated with gestational age and birth weight of the neonate. 76.1% were term neonates. 49.3% were born to mothers with high risk pregnancies. Mean serum prolactin was higher in neonates of <28 weeks (686 ng/ml) but was almost similar from 28 weeks to term with p value of 0.537. Mean serum prolactin was 493.70 ng/ml for low birth weight neonates and p value was 0.754. There was no statistically significant correlation between prolactin with birth weight and gestational age in our study but can open an arena for research in the future.

Solated Pneumopericardium in a Neonate: A Case Report

Pneumopericardium (PPC) is a rare but life-threatening condition that mostly accompanies air leak syndromes in neonates receiving positive pressure ventilation. PPC results from the rupture of the alveoli and subsequent dissection of air through the tissue planes into the mediastinum, pleura, or pericardial sac. This report describes the case of a term low birth weight neonate born in a peripheral hospital who developed respiratory distress soon after birth. She was transported with manual bag and tube ventilation, and was found to have air leak syndrome in the form of isolated PPC. The neonate was managed conservatively with spontaneous resolution of the PPC.

Prevalence and immediate outcomes of low birth weight neonates born of pre-eclamptic women at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya.

pre-eclampsia has been linked to poor neonatal outcomes such as; stillbirth, low birth weight (LBW), prematurity and neonatal morbidities owing to utero-placental insufficiency. The study objective was to determine the prevalence of LBW and immediate (within 24 hours) birth outcomes of LBW neonates born to pre-eclamptic women at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Kenya. a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 364 participants (346 singletons and 9 twins) born to pre-eclamptic women at MTRH. A study tool was used to gather data on birth weight and neonatal outcomes. Data was cleaned, coded and entered into SPSS version 22 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were computed for the prevalence of LBW and immediate neonatal outcomes. the study found an LBW prevalence of 180(49.5%) and prematurity of 81(45%). Of the LBW neonates (n=180), 162(90%) were alive and 18(10%) were stillbirths. Their immediate morbidities were, birth asphyxia 51(28.7%), neonatal jaundice 38(21%), hypothermia 18(7.9%) and neonatal sepsis 1(0.7%). Of the neonates that were born alive; 107(59.2%) were admitted to level II nursery care, 53(29.5%) were rooming in with their mothers and 20(11.3%) died within 24 hours. preeclampsia contributes to LBW, nursery admissions and morbidity/mortality of neonates necessitating the need for neonatal units' preparedness for prompt and appropriate management to avert death.

Effectiveness of Nesting and Swaddling Technique on Bio-physiological Parameters, Neuro-behavioral Activity and Sucking Response among Sick Neonates

Babies delivered before 37 weeks or 259 days of gestation are deemed premature. It is believed to be the direct cause of 24% of infant fatalities. While preterm births account for between 5% and 7% of all live births in some developed nations, it is believed that the proportion is much higher in developing nations. Nearly 30% of infants in India, or 7.5 million, are born low birth weight (LBW) (2500 g). This accounts for 42% of the global burden, more than any other nation. Approximately 60% of LBW neonates are born at term after fetal growth restriction, while the remaining 40% are born prematurely. The prevalence of SGA is 46.9%, exceeding all countries except two. Nesting is one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy position for a premature infant, which involves positioning the hands near the face and the feet together while using positioning aids to create a secure, snug, and supportive nest. The capacity to nest keeps premature neonates in a comfortable position, enables spontaneous motor activity for skeletal joint and neuromuscular function, and facilitates the monitoring of stable vital signs. Commonly, infants are wrapped in a breathable, lightweight blanket to help them unwind and fall asleep.

Maternal Risk Factors for Low Birthweight Neonates in Sana'a city. Yemen: A Case-Control Study

Maternal Risk Factors for Low Birthweight Neonates in Sana'a city. Yemen: A Case-Control Study