Birthweight and early neonatal health: Bangladesh perspective

Abstract

It has been suggested that a birthweight limit of 2.5 kg should not be regarded as valid for all populations as the cut-off point of low-weight births because of demographic, genetic and environmental differences. Countries often choose alternative cut-off values for low birthweight for clinical purposes. Bangladesh also needs to choose a convenient cut-off value for low birthweight. A total of 770 live singleton full-term normal newborns were included in this study by stratified sampling; birthweight was measured using the Detecto-type baby weight machine. Newborns were followed up to the end of their first week of life. For data collection a pretested structured questionnaire and an Apgar Score estimating checklist were used. Chi-square test was applied to assess the association of different birthweight strata and neonatal health outcomes. Multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the independent effects of different levels of birthweight on early neonatal health. The neonates having birthweight < or = 2 kg had a significantly higher risk of early neonatal mortality and morbidity than the higher level birthweight group. Birth asphyxia was the commonest cause of early neonatal mortality and morbidity. Borderline birthweight (>2 to <2.5 kg) neonates experienced the same mortality and morbidity rates as the normal birthweight neonates during their early neonatal life. Birthweight < or = 2 kg may be one of the criteria for admission to a neonatal intensive care unit whereas more than 2 kg may not require admission unless otherwise necessary.

When is birthweight at term abnormally low? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the association and predictive ability of current birthweight standards for neonatal outcomes

“…As shown in Figure , after an initial search of 36 956 citations, we included 92 primary articles in the overall systematic review, of which 29 contained data relating birthweight standards to neonatal outcomes . Five of these were included after contact with authors who provided data or information .…”

Intrauterine Inflammation, Excessive Fetal Growth and Respiratory Morbidities in Moderate-To-Late Preterm Neonates

“…Another study highlighted the inverse relationship between fetal nutritional status and maturational status of organs, such as the brain and adrenal gland [ 22 ]. For near-term neonates, fixed birth-weights (for example, 2,000 g) have been used to screen those who require persistent cardiopulmonary monitoring at neonatal intensive care units [ 23 ]. However, such birth-weight-based criteria for admission may not contribute to securing the safety of affected neonates if the incidence of respiratory morbidities is higher in those with heavier birth-weights.…”