Study of VLBW babies with reference to maternal risk factors at secondary level referral center

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the maternal risk factors for VLBW babies delivered in the district hospital, Vizianagaram, mother and child health block, and to study preventive measures to reduce the birth of VLBW babies.

Material & Methods: The VLBW babies were studied during the period from Jan to Dec 2018 with the Obstetric Department to assess the possible complications of the mother with which these babies are delivered.

Results: Total number of deliveries observed during the period from Jan to Dec 2018 are 8134, out of which 657 babies are born with LBW (<2.5 Kgs) with the incidence of 8.85% and the incidence of VLBW babies is 0.65% among the 657 LBW babies 53 babies happens to be VLBW babies i.e. 7.36% of LBW babies are VLBW babies. Out of 53 babies 7 babies expired while undergone treatment at SNCU due to sepsis, RDS, PVH. Maternal complications observed for VLBW babies are Anemia (50%) infection (10%) uterine anomalies (5%) twins (15%) post cesarean pregnancy with scar tenderness (2%) antepartum hemorrhage (1%) abnormal presentations (2%) PROM (5%) PIH (10%).

Conclusion: Lower socio-economic status and anemia were thought to be the significant factors influencing the birth of VLBW. In the present study infections, uterine anomalies, multi fetal gestations, abnormal presentations, PIH should be considered and their timely management with medicines and interventions like cervical encirclage by improve their neonatal outcome and can reduce the neonatal mortality and morbidity and thus minimize the burden of SNCU and NICU admissions.