Profile and outcomes of low-birth-weight babies admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Experience of a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is an important public health issue in developing countries such as Bangladesh, as it is linked to higher rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate the morbidity patterns and outcomes of LBW neonates admitted to a tertiary care Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 12 months in the NICU of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka. A total of 76 LBW neonates (<2.5 kg) were included. Clinical, demographic, and outcome data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version-25. Results: Of the 76 neonates, 88.2% were ≤3 days, and 55.3% were male. A majority (64.5%) were full-term, with 67.11% weighing between 1500 and 2499 grams. The predominant morbidities were respiratory distress syndrome (32.89%), birth asphyxia (22.37%), and sepsis (18.42%). Mortality was 18.4%, with the highest rate of 33.33% observed in infants weighing less than 1000 gm. The duration of hospital stays was greatest in the group with the lowest birth weight. Other issues diminished as birth weight increased. Conclusion: Low birth weights (<1000 gm) are associated with an increased risk of newborn morbidity and mortality. Longer hospital stays are related with low birth weight, and the most common morbidity include respiratory distress syndrome, birth asphyxia, and sepsis.

DS (Child) H J 2025; 41(1): 11-14