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Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is described by the WHO as early, ongoing, and prolonged skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her preterm infants. Aims and Objectives: (1) The aim of the study was to study the effect of KMC in growth of newborn and (2) to study the effect of KMC in prevention of hypothermia, apnea, and requirement of prolonged hospital stay. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, hospital based, observational study, 241 neonates who were hospitalized to the neonatal intensive care unit in Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati between April 2023 and March 2024 were assessed. Every potential mother was trained for KMC and given exclusive breastfeeds, and contrasted with a control/(conventional method of care) group of mothers. Results: The KMC babies had better breastfeeding rates as compared to the control group (76% vs. 53.8%). The weight gain (14.9±4.7 vs. 10.5±4.1 g/day), increase in length (0.97±0.67 vs. 0.69±0.63 cm/week), chest circumference (0.73±0.35 vs. 0.49±0.19 G/week), and head circumference (0.74±0.52 vs. 0.50±0.31 g/week), was also better in the KMC group. The incidence of apnea and hypothermia was significantly less in the KMC group, and the duration of stay in hospital was less in the KMC group than the control group (10±5 vs. 16±8 days). Conclusions: KMC improves breastfeeding rates, improves growth, reduces morbidities, and decreases duration of hospital stay.

Background: This study aims to describe the prevalence and associated factors of low birth weight (LBW) among neonates born in the maternity ward of Mirwais Regional Hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Methods: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1st, 2023, to December 31st, 2023. A total of 423 mothers who recently gave birth were included using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face maternal interviews and medical record reviews, focusing on socio-demographic, maternal, nutrition-related, and neonate-related factors. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS 16.0 to identify factors associated with LBW. Results: The mean age of the participants was 32 years, with most falling in the 21-30 age group. A significant majority of participants were from rural areas (74.5%) and belonged to the Pashtun ethnicity (84.6%). The prevalence of LBW among the neonates was 17.3%. Key factors associated with LBW included low maternal educational status, inadequate prenatal care, and poor nutritional status. Conclusion: The study identified a high prevalence of LBW in neonates born at Mirwais Regional Hospital. Maternal education, prenatal care, and nutritional status are significant predictors of LBW. Interventions focusing on improving maternal education, enhancing prenatal care, and ensuring adequate maternal nutrition are critical to reducing the incidence of LBW in this setting.

Background Low birth weight (LBW) is an important marker of fetal health that is predictive of mortality in childhood, stunting, and adult-onset chronic conditions globally. Approximately 20 million LBW births occur every year globally with 96.5% of them in developing countries. LBW contributes to 60%–80% of all neonatal deaths globally and the rates have remained high in developing countries such as Nigeria. This study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of LBW among neonates delivered in health facilities in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in eight selected health facilities at different levels of care within the Makurdi metropolis. A total of 206 neonates were recruited, weighed, and examined within the first hour of life while sociodemographic data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 23. Results Out of the 206 neonates studied, 24 (11.7%) were LBW. Among the 24 LBW neonates, 75% (18) were term while 25% (6) were preterm. The mean weight of the LBW neonates was 2.18 ± 0.18 kg. The mean gestation was 38.52 ± 1.61 weeks. The factors that were significantly associated with LBW were; gestational age at birth (P = 0.028), type of gestation (P = 0.004), socioeconomic class of the baby (P = 0.036), nonbooking for antenatal care (ANC) (P = 0.040), place of ANC (P = 0.028), and hypertension in pregnancy (P = 0.033). Conclusion The prevalence of LBW was lower than the national prevalence and not booking for ANC was found to be associated with increased risk for LBW. Hence, early and adequate ANC is recommended.

Background Maternal distress during pregnancy can affect the child as well as the mother. Objective The aim of this study was to find out if there was any change in feto-maternal indicators-proportion of anemia among women admitted for delivery, proportion of stillborns, and low birth weight status of the newborns. Materials and Methods In this observational study with cross-sectional design, record-based analysis was undertaken for the pregnancies delivered during January–March 2021. The data (age, gestational age, hemoglobin, blood pressure, and birth weight of the child) were collected from the labor room register of two government medical colleges - College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital (CoMSDH), Kamarhati, North 24 Parganas and Deben Mahato Government Medical College and Hospital (DMGMCH), Purulia. For historical comparison, data of January–March 2020 were used from the same institutes. Odds ratio was calculated for maternal anemia, hypertension, and low birth weight of newborn adjusted for age of the mother and gestational period of the pregnancy using binary logistic regression. Results Adjusted odds ratio for maternal hypertension, anemia, and low birth weight of newborn was 1.34 (0.89, 2.01), 1.29 (1.05, 1.58), and 1.09 (0.83, 1.43) in CoMSDH and 1.32 (1.16, 1.49), 1.48 (1.33, 1.65), and 0.96 (0.86, 1.07) in DMGMCH, respectively. Conclusion Maternal anemia at the time of delivery increased in both the institutes; however, birth weight of the newborn did not show any such changes. The period of pandemic and unforeseen lockdown seems to have affected maternal health but not the fetal health.

Abstract Strabismus is prevalent among preterm infants of low gestational age and birth weight in Southeast Asian countries, with intermittent exotropia (IXT) being the most common type in South Korea. In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, we investigated the differences between full-term and premature infants with IXT. IXT patients with available childbirth history were divided into two groups: preterm vs. full-term and low birth weight (LBW) vs. normal birth weight (NBW). Parameters related to exotropia including parental heredity, surgical history, and treatment options were investigated. In univariate regression for gestational age, a result of ≥ 100 s in the Titmus test was 1.352 times more frequent in preterm than in full-term infants. When birth weight was considered instead, a result of ≥ 100 s in the Titmus test was 1.412 times more frequent in the LBW compared to the NBW group. In multivariate regression for birth weight, the frequency of a result of ≥ 100 s in the Titmus test for the LBW group was 2.032 times higher than that for the NBW group. It is particularly important to examine stereopsis in preterm and LBW patients affected by IXT to ensure timely surgical planning and avoid potential recurrence after surgery.

Background: As household food insecurity is directly connected with the amount and quality of nutrition available to a person, maternal food insecurity, therefore, might have a role to play in poor pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight (LBW). Objectives: To find out whether maternal food insecurity was associated with LBW among infants born between May and June of 2020 in a tertiary care hospital of Eastern India. Materials and Methods: The study was a case–control design, conducted among a set of sex-matched cases and controls. 105 LBW infants were taken as cases and 105 infants with birth weight ≥2500 g were taken as controls. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to ascertain the relationship between the independent and dependent variables and crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated to find out the association between the exposure and the outcome. Results: The cases and controls were statistically comparable with respect to baseline characteristics. Univariable analysis showed that the odds of LBW were 7.77 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.73–16.16) times more in food-insecure households. After adjusting for other variables included in the analysis, the AOR for food insecurity was 8.04 (95% CI: 3.81–16.94). Conclusion: The odds of giving birth to a LBW infant were higher in mothers belonging to food-insecure households. Addressing the prevalent barriers to accessibility, affordability, and adequacy of nutrition can be effective in mitigating this problem.

Background: The birth weight of an infant is a significant determinant of morbidity. Birth weight measurement is not always feasible in developing countries thus necessitating alternative measurements as surrogates. Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the most appropriate maximum thigh cir cumference (MTC) measurements corresponding to birth weights of

Background: Stunting or chronic malnutrition has been one of the major challenges to mankind for ages. The trends from the National Family Health surveys are more or less stagnant with a huge failure of the public health systems to tackle the problem of malnutrition. Innovative approaches are needed to tackle malnutrition. Objective: This pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial (CTRI registration no. Trial REF/2023/08/071521) is planned to assess the effectiveness of a multifaceted antenatal and postnatal health educational intervention package implemented from the first trimester of pregnancy up to one year of infant age in reducing the rates of Low Birth Weight and improving the maternal-infant growth and developmental indicators in a cohort of rural pregnant women as compared to existing standards of care. Implication - The study emphasizes the importance of an ongoing continuum of care during the first 1000 days for effective birth weight, preventing malnutrition, and fostering infant growth and development as its programmatic pathway to impact. Results: We anticipate that the intervention will complement the existing health programs and will be implemented through the grassroot-level workers along with a community peer named “Safalta Tai” enabling community ownership of the intervention. Discussion: It also has a robust inbuilt monitoring and evaluation system through participatory action research for making it scalable and sustainable beyond the implementation period. Conclusion: The program leverages on the existing goverment programs like the poshan abhiyaan and the digital health mission. It has the potential to be incorporated in the exsiting health infrastructure without any additional resources and scaled up if found effective in reduction of low birth weight which is an important determinant of stunting in under five children.

Summary Objective: The objective was to compare the morbidity and mortality data among low birthweight (LBW) infants in two developing countries with different medical facilities, and determine where further improvements are possible, Methods: Data were extracted from the admission records and case notes of neonates with birthweight 0.1). The mortality rate was significantly higher among the VLBW group in WGH than in QCH (p

Background: Low birth weight is a global problem but presents a major burden on the neonatal services in developing countries such as Nigeria, and brings to bear a greater strain on the meagre resources available for health care delivery and family financing. In a resourceconstrained setting as ours, proper weighing of all newborn infants and medical surveillance of low birth weight infants, although highly desirable, are often not achieved due to unavailability of suitable, functional weighing scales. There are serial cut-off points for the various anthropometric indices for the normal birth weight babies below which any baby is termed low birth weight. This study assessed the predictive values of anthropometric measurements in the detection of low birth weight newborn babies and also determined the local specific cut-off points for these measurements in Nnewi, Southeast Nigeria. Methods: This was a crosssectional study in which length, occipitofrontal circumference, mid-arm circumference and maximum thigh circumference of 428 singleton babies were ascertained within 24 hours of delivery. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Correlation and linear regression analyses were done to examine the linear relationship between the predictors and birth weight. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated at serial cut–off points and the points of best discrimination determined. Results: The low birth weight prevalence was 15.2%. Maximum thigh circumference attained the highest correlation with birth weight (r = 0.904), greatest coefficient of detemination (r2=0.817), and least measure of dispersion around the actual birth weight. Thus maximum thigh circumference, which has a cut-off point of 16.75cm, was the best predictor of low birth weight, with 98.5% sensitivity, 92.3% specificity and diagnostic accuracy of 93.2% (P

Background: In the absence of acute phase reaction, ferritin concentration has been used as a standard measurement of iron stores. Low birth weight babies are at risk of developing iron lack because ferritin concentration at birth is influenced by duration of gestation, maternal iron status and conditions altering maternal–foetal iron exchange. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the ferritin concentrations of low birth weight babies in comparison with that of normal birth weight babies. Materials and methods: Fortyfour normal birth weight (NBW) babies and 40 low birth weight (LBW) babies were recruited for the study. About 1.0ml of venous blood was drawn aseptically from each subject into a micro EDTA tube, centrifuged at 5000rpm for 5 minutes, the plasma separated into cryotubes and stored at-20oC until ready for quantitative determination of ferritin concentrations using direct immunoenzymatic colorimetric method. Data obtained was analysed statistically using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 23, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Gestational age correlated positively with ferritin concentrations in LBW neonates (p

Abstract Weight gain in low birth-weight babies remains a challenge to the management of the neonatal period in low and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the time to adequate weight gain and its predictors among low-birth-weight preterm neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of public hospitals in Bahir Dar City. An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted from March 4 to April 3, 2023, using three years of data. About 344 low-birth-weight preterm babies were recruited and followed up until 28 days of age. Model goodness-of-fit was checked by Cox Snell residuals test. The Cox-Proportional Hazards Model was used to assess predictors of weight gain with a statistically significant level of P-value

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of maternal factors with low birth weight (LBW) newborns at King Abdullah Teaching Hospital, Mansehra. METHODOLOGY: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done at the Department of Pediatrics and labor room of King Abdullah Teaching Hospital, Mansehra, Pakistan, from June to November 2021. A total of 171 women aged 18-30 who had a singleton pregnancy ≥37 completed weeks of gestation were enrolled and evaluated for the presence of risk factors associated with the incidence of LBW in infants. The outcome regarding the frequency of low birth weight and its associations with Maternal factors were recorded. RESULTS: In a total of 171 women, 77(45.0%) had short stature, while 57(33.3%) weighed 50 kg or less. The frequency of anemia was noted in 56 (32.7%). Out of 171 women who gave a singleton live birth, 63(36.8%) newborns were LBW. A significantly less proportion of mothers had maternal age between 18-25 who delivered LBW babies (74.6% vs. 44.4%, p=0.0001). Short stature among mothers was significantly associated with LBW (58.7% vs. 37.0%, p=0.0060). Maternal weight less than or equal to 50 kg was also linked with LBW (42.9% vs. 27.8%, p=0.0436). Anemia is significantly associated with LBW (49.2% vs 23.1%, p=0.0005). CONCLUSION: The frequency of LBW was noted to be high. Maternal age between 18-25 years, short stature, low maternal weight (>50 kg), and anemia during pregnancy can significantly raise the risk of LBW.

Abstract Despite the high prevalence of low birth weight infants in sub-Saharan Africa and the associated poor outcomes, weight change during the newborn period has not been well characterized for this population. We prospectively assessed growth over the first 30 days among 120 infants born

Background: Continuation of kangaroo mother care (KMC) at home is vital for improved infant survival and development. Hence, it is essential to understand potential enablers and barriers to home KMC provision. Methodology: This observational study was conducted in rural Gujarat. KMC was initiated for all low-birth-weight (LBW) neonates during the hospital stay and were advised to continue home KMC on discharge. The mothers of these LBW neonates were interviewed using a structured questionnaire during follow-up visits or via telephone. Results: A total of 100 mothers were interviewed, and 98 practiced home KMC. Mothers’ mean age was 24.41 (±3.1) years, and infants’ mean age was 3.48 (±1.81) months. The mean weight of neonates at discharge was 1.85 (±0.28) kg. Out of the 104 neonates (96 singleton pregnancies and four twins), 76 (73.07%) were pre-term. 31% mothers provided 4–6 hours of daily KMC. 60% provided KMC for less than 1 hour during each session, while 36% of mothers provided each KMC session for 1–3 hours. 74% of mothers received family support, and 62% faced difficulties in home KMC provision. 88% of mothers were homemakers, and 53% had other children to care for. 51% mothers pre-maturely discontinued KMC provision. 83% of the mothers reported fatigue or pain during KMC provision. Conclusion: Lack of family support, other household responsibilities, and other children to care for were major barriers leading to pre-mature discontinuation of home KMC.

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has proven to be a humane, powerful, easy-to-use, and low-cost method to promote the health of Low Birth Weight (LBW) neonates. The level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of nursing mothers on KMC is variable. The KAP of mothers on KMC can be improved through mass media communication, which In turn improves the outcome of LBW. Aim: To determine the level of KAP regarding KMC among the mothers admitted to the KMC ward and to assess the impact of educational intervention on babies’ weight gain during KMC stay and on follow-up. Materials and Methods: This was a Randomised Controlled Trial conducted in the KMC ward, Belagavi Institute of Medical Science (BIMS) (a tertiary care centre), Northern Karnataka, India, from March 2021 to February 2022. A total of 79 subjects were included in the study and randomised into two groups: the case group (n=39) and the control group (n=40). The case group received educational intervention on KMC using audiovisual aids, while the control group received standard KMC counselling. Mothers from both groups were assessed for KAP using a prestructured questionnaire. Babies were followed-up at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months after discharge for weight gain. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23.0. Chi-square tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied for analysis. Results: The study comprised 79 KMC mother-baby dyads, with 39 in the case group and 40 in the control group. Most mothers (91%) were in the age group of 20-30 years, and 92% of the mothers had an educational status of Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC), and Pre-university Course (PUC). The mean birth weight was 2.1 kg, 57% of babies were delivered by Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS), and the mean gestational age was 34.48 weeks. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the two groups. At admission, there was no significant difference in knowledge scores between the case and control groups (20.83±1.89 vs 19.19±3.04, p-value=0.06), but there was a statistically highly significant difference at discharge (23.9±0.38 vs 21.63±3.31, p-value

Purpose: To assess the relationship between clinical and semen characteristics and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes with different birth weight (BW) categories in a cohort of infertile men. Materials and Methods: Data from 1,063 infertile men were analyzed. Patients with BW ≤2,500, 2,500–4,000, and ≥4,000 g were considered as having low BW (LBW), normal BW (NBW), and high BW (HBW), respectively. Testicular volume (TV) was assessed with a Prader orchidometer. Serum hormones were measured in all cases. Semen analyses were categorized based on 2021 World Health Organization reference criteria. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) was tested in every patient and considered pathological for SDF >30%. ART outcomes were available for 282 (26.5%) patients. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses detailed the association between semen parameters and clinical characteristics and the defined BW categories. Results: Of all, LBW, NBW, and HBW categories were found in 79 (7.5%), 807 (76.0%), and 177 (16.5%) men, respectively. LBW men had smaller TV, presented higher follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) but lower total testosterone levels compared to other groups (all p30% (odd ratio [OR] 3.7; p30% (OR 2.9; p

Abstract Background Low birth weight is recognized as a pivotal risk factor affecting child survival and growth. Although Bangladesh has made commendable progress in public health, an infant mortality rate of 38 per 1000 live births and a 16% prevalence of low birth weight remain significant concerns compared to other developing countries. This situation poses a significant challenge for the formulation of future health policies in Bangladesh. As a result, this study aims to identify potential risk factors contributing to low birth weight and infant mortality among children in Bangladesh. Methods The data is extracted from the 2014 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. The response variables are infant mortality and low birth weight. In the bivariate analysis, Log‐rank tests and Chi‐square tests of independence were conducted. Cox proportional hazards and binary logistic regression models were utilized to determine the impact of risk factors on infant mortality and low birth weight. Results This study identified several significant factors associated with children's low birth weight, including wealth index, parental education, birth order, twin births, mother's body mass index, and child sex. Additionally, wealth index, parental education, twin status, media exposure, birth order, antenatal care visits, prenatal care assistance, and low birth weight were identified as potential risk factors for infant mortality in Bangladesh. Conclusion This study revealed that maternal and child characteristics, along with knowledge about child health care during pregnancy, can potentially reduce the risk of low birth weight and infant mortality among children in Bangladesh. To improve child health and survival, policymakers should prioritize community‐based health education programs, and encourage parents to seek healthcare information from institutional medical facilities during pregnancy and after birth.

Background Malnourished pregnant women are at increased risk of micronutrient deficiency. We assessed the vitamin B12 status in both malnourished and normally nourished pregnant women and their neonates. Additionally, we studied the association between maternal B12 levels, cord B12 levels and neonatal anthropometry. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 63 malnourished and 63 normally nourished mothers and neonates. Maternal and cord blood samples were collected at the time of delivery for estimation of vitamin B12 levels. Maternal and cord vitamin B12 levels were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. Neonatal anthropometry was correlated with maternal and cord B12 levels using Spearman’s correlation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results Mean maternal age was 26.58 yrs. The median cord B12 levels were lower than the maternal B12 levels. Maternal B12 levels showed a strong positive correlation with cord B12 levels (rho = 0.879; p < 0.001). Maternal (p < 0.001) and cord (p < 0.001) vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in the malnourished group than in the normally nourished group. In malnourished group, 66.8% mothers and 95.2% neonates were Vitamin B12 deficient, whereas 1.5% mothers and 4.7% neonates were vitamin B12 deficient in normally nourished group. In the malnourished group, maternal B12 levels were positively correlated with birth weight (rho 0.363, p = 0.003) and length (rho 0.330, p =0.008), whereas cord B12 levels were positively correlated with birth weight in the normally nourished group. (rho 0.277 p= 0.028) Conclusion High rates of vitamin B12 deficiency were observed in malnourished mothers and neonates. There was a positive correlation between birth weight, length, and maternal vitamin B12 levels in malnourished mothers. These findings emphasize the need to address maternal malnutrition and vitamin B12 deficiency to improve neonatal health.

Introduction: The World Health Organization has suggested preconception care to improve pregnancy outcomes. Hence, the study aimed to compare the effect of preconception care on pregnancy outcomes, particularly prematurity and low birth weight. Methods: We carried out interventions in one tribal and one non-tribal block. For comparison, one adjacent tribal block and one non-tribal block were included in Nashik district, India. The total study period was from April 2018 to July 2021. All reproductive age group women desiring pregnancy within one year in selected four blocks participated in the study. The services included clinical examination, laboratory investigations, treatment, six-monthly deworming, anemia management, folic acid supplementation, family planning services, and behavioral change communication using different media. The existing healthcare workers provided services to the women until they became pregnant or until the end of the follow-up period (27 months). We monitored pregnancy outcomes, including abortion, stillbirth, and live birth; among live births, low birth weight, preterm birth, congenital physical anomaly, and neonatal death. Results: The study enrolled 7,875 women, and 3,601 had outcomes. The proportion of preterm births in the intervention and comparison block was 11.18 % and 14.99 %, respectively (p = 0.001), and the proportion of low-birth-weight babies was 9.23 % and 11.25 %, respectively (p = 0.01). The adjusted prevalence ratio showed that the risk of preterm births in the absence of intervention was 1.3 (CI: 1.1–1.6). Preterm birth was a mediator between preconception care and low birth weight. Conclusion: Reduction in proportion of low birth weight and preterm babies can be achieved through preconception care using minimal additional resources.

In neonatal critical care units, peripherally inserted central catheter lines are frequently used to provide venous access for continuous parenteral nutrition and medications in newborns. In this case report, a male neonate weighing 1270 grams was on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for hyaline membrane disease and initially received Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) through a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) in the left long saphenous vein on the second day. The baby developed tachycardia, respiratory distress requiring mechanical ventilation, and erythematous swelling over the paraumbilical region. A diagnosis of pericardial effusion and superficial abdominal abscess secondary to a malposed PICC line in a preterm, very low birth weight neonate was made. Suspecting a misplaced line, it was immediately removed, and the patient showed improvement over the next 24 hours. Within the next 48 hours, the patient was extubated to CPAP. Therefore, daily inspection by an expert, as well as confirmation of the central line tip, will aid in preventing delays in detecting complications.

Early cardiac surgery in neonates and infants with congenital heart disease has been performed since the middle to late years of the twentieth century. To date, there are very few reports of successful congenital heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in premature babies less than 1000 g with serious congenital heart disease. Limited information is available in the literature describing perfusion techniques for this extremely fragile patient population. Miniaturization of the CPB circuit contributes to multiple factors that affect this population significantly. These factors include the reduction of patient-to-circuit ratios, volume of distribution of pharmacological agents, management of pressure gradients within the CPB system, and increased tactile control by the attending perfusionist. Careful management of the physiological environment of the patient is of utmost importance and can mitigate risks during CPB, including volume shifts into the interstitial space, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalance, and intracranial hemorrhage. We report perfusion techniques successfully utilized during the surgical repair of transposition of the great arteries for an 800 g, 28-week-old neonate. CPB techniques for the smallest and youngest patients may be executed safely when proper physical, chemical, and perfusion process adjustments are made and managed meticulously.

Abstract Low birth weight is a newborn delivered with birth weight of less than 2500 g regardless of gestational age is called. It is a significant issue affecting over 30 million infants worldwide. Thus, the study determine factors associated with low birth weight among newborns delivered at Mettu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia. A facility-based case–control study was conducted with 336 newborns (112 cases and 224 controls) from September 12 to December 23, 2022. The study population was newborns with birth weights of 2500 g to 4000 g as controls and newborns with birth weights

Background: Probiotics are live microbial supplements that increase feed tolerance, colonize the gut of these newborns with beneficial flora, and promote growth in these infants. Aims and Objectives: This study was planned to compare the role of probiotics in low birth weight (LBW) infants in the time taken to reach full feeds, episodes of feed intolerance, weight gain, duration of hospital stay, incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) stage 2 or more, and morbidity and mortality during hospital stay. Materials and Methods: This interventional two-arm blinded randomized control study was conducted in Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital, Thoothukudi, from November 2019 to October 2020. The selected sample of babies was randomly divided into two groups, the probiotic and the no-probiotic group. Bifidobacterium breve M-16 was administered to infants in the probiotic group at a dose of 0.5 g/day once a day in breast milk. Only breast milk was used to feed babies in the no-probiotic group. Results: The time to reach full enteral feed was shorter in the probiotic group (9.21±1.74 days) than in the no-probiotic group (12.43±3.74 days). Better feed tolerance (12%) was seen in the probiotic group than in the no-probiotic (44%) group. A low incidence of sepsis (12%) was seen in the probiotic group than in the non-probiotic group (40%). A lesser duration of hospital stay (10.42±1.77 days) was seen in the probiotic group than in the probiotic group (13.78±4.18 days). Conclusion: Very LBW neonates who received probiotic supplements along with their feeds have shorter times to reach full feeds, greater feed tolerance, lower rates of sepsis, and shorter mean hospital stays.

Objective: To assess changes in macrosomia prevalence following a two-stage lifestyle intervention program. Methods: The study collected annual delivery data from singleton pregnant women at the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in Beijing, China (2014–2023). The first intervention stage involved nutritional assessment and lifestyle management in pregnancy, and maternal weight and fetal growth monitoring were added in the second stage, with intensive management as necessary. Pre-intervention births (2014–2016) served as controls. The change in macrosomia and low birth weight prevalence following the intervention was assessed by an interrupted time series analysis. Results: Among 126,824 pregnant women, macrosomia prevalence decreased from 7.11 % to 4.15 % over ten years, with an accelerated decrease post-intervention (p for slope = 0.050 and 0.004 for the first and second stages), primarily contributed by the reduction in excessive gestational weight gain (adjusted population attributable risk = 28.6 %, p for Granger cause = 0.0001). The change in the increasing rate of low-birth-weight prevalence was non-significant. Conclusions: Macrosomia prevalence significantly decreased over a decade following the intensive intervention programs.

INTRODUCTION: Children's health is tomorrow's wealth is one of the WHO's slogans of the recent years. However, children's health is to a great extent determined by factors that operate in utero, well before they are born. Newborns falling in the category of low birth weight (LBW) carry relatively greater risks of perinatal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and substandard growth and development in the later life. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to study birth weight pattern of newborn babies and to find determinants of LBW among babies born to women using Mishri during pregnancy and to construct predictive model for LBW using multiple binary regression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the obstetric wards on women admitted for delivery and using Mishri (form of Tobacco), and they were compared with the nonusers of any form of tobacco. Details of pregnancy and delivery followed by the estimation of serum levels of cotinine using ELISA technique were collected among both groups. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis used multiple binary regression model and tests of significance. RESULTS: LBW is eight times more commonly seen among users of Mishri compared to nonusers of Mishri. As the cotinine level increases, there is a significant decrease in birth weight (relative risk: 4–10 times) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Increase in cotinine levels and decrease in birth weight explain the dose–response relationship between the use of tobacco (Mishri) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (LBW). This can be applied to assess the risk among pregnant women who are using Mishri at their first antenatal care visit.

Background: Pre-maturity is one of the major health problems and associated with high morbidities and mortality. According to the WHO every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born pre-term and this number is rising. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study were to know the various morbidity pattern developed during the clinical course and to identify the cause of mortality of pre-term babies admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Assam, over a period of 1 year. A sample size of 150 pre-term babies selected randomly as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The total number of cases studied in the present study were 150 pre-term babies admitted in NICU. Male pre-term babies were 82 (54.6%) and female pre-term babies were 68 (45.3%). The various morbidities observed among the pre-term babies during the study period were neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (48%) followed by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (30%), neonatal sepsis (22%), hypocalcemia (16%), hypothermia (14.7%), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (5.3%), and intraventricular hemorrhage (4.7%). The overall mortality among the studied cases was 12.6%. Out of 150 cases, 19 cases were expired (12.6%). The present study shows that RDS (36.8%), neonatal sepsis (26.3%), birth asphyxia (21.1%), and NEC (15.7%) were the major causes of mortality among pre-term babies. Conclusion: The survival rate increases significantly with increase in birth weight and gestational age. RDS, birth asphyxia, and neonatal sepsis were the leading causes of death.

This scoping review mapped and critically reviewed the extant literature exploring associations between oral disease status and adverse pregnancy outcomes among women residing in sub-Saharan Africa. A literature search was conducted in July 2023 using PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. The articles selected were those published in the English language between 1990 and 2022. After screening 833 potential studies, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 12 (80.0%) adopted a descriptive research design, while 3 (20.0%) used experimental methodologies. Eight (53.3%) studies were conducted in East Africa, fourteen (93.3%) studies were hospital-based, and one (6.7%) study was community-based. Periodontitis was linked with low birth weight, preterm birth, preterm birth and low birthweight, stunting, wasting, and underweight in most studies. Periodontitis was, however, not linked with adverse pregnancy outcomes in four studies. Caries was not linked with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but its sequalae was linked with low birth weight, preterm birth, neonatal stunting, and small head circumference. Two studies showed that periodontal diseases were linked with preeclampsia and chorioamnionitis. Maternal poor oral hygiene was linked with stunting. Two other studies showed no links between maternal periodontal disease and preterm premature rupture of membranes, eclampsia, spontaneous abortion, and vaginal bleeding. Furthermore, two intervention studies found that the treatment of periodontal diseases during pregnancy reduced the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the effect size of the links observed between oral diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.

Introduction. Biliary atresia (BA) represents a progressive and obstructive fibrotic cholangiopathy, serving as a leading cause of liver failure and pediatric liver transplantation worldwide. Identifying risk factors associated with BA incidence is crucial for expediting diagnosis; however, limited research has been conducted in Indonesia. This study aims to investigate the characteristics and analyze the factors associated with the occurrence of BA. Methods. A retrospective observational analysis of medical records encompassing 523 cholestatic patients at the Pediatric Hepatology Outpatient Department and Pediatric Ward of “Dr. Soetomo” General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, from 2011 to 2022 was conducted. The data was segregated into BA and non-BA groups, and diagnostic chi-square tests were employed to determine interrelationships among variables. Subsequently, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the most impactful variable. Results. Notably, age at first time visiting specialist (p = 0.003), gestational age (p

Introduction: Adequate Nutrition is important for optimum growth, immunity, neurological and cognitive development of the child. Malnutrition leads to illness and mortality among under 5 children. Nearly 40% under 5 children are malnourished in Gujarat despite many nutritional programmes. Objectives: To assess the epidemiological factors of malnourished children at Child Malnutrition Treatment Centre (CMTC) and to find out the association between epidemiological factors and nutritional status of study participants. Method: A single centric, cross-sectional study was conducted on Children admitted at CMTC at Narayan Nagar Urban Health Center, the only one and newly established CMTC in Rajkot city in year 2015. Study duration was 14 months. Interview of mothers of 120 children was conducted to know epidemiological factors of malnourished children. Weight on admission was noted from register. Pre-formed, semi-structured proforma used. Results: Out of 120 children, 5.8%, 55.8%, 34.2% and 4.2% were from 5 year age groups respectively. Nearly 40% children belonged to Socioeconomic Class IV. The proportion of Low Birth Weight children was 40%. Current feeding practice was appropriate in 10.8% children according to IMNCI guideline. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection occurred in 76.7% children with average 4.5 episodes. High birth order of children is statistically significant with severity of malnutrition. Birth weight and feeding practices of children were not associated with grade of malnutrition. Conclusion: Need based education of mothers for preventing low birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, quantity and type of routine diet etc. should be given.

Introduction: The relationship between chronic apical periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes is still a matter of debate. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic evidence of chronic apical periodontitis in mothers with low-birth-weight preterm births infants. Materials and Methods: eighty nine women in postpartum period were included in this case-control study. The case group consisted of mothers of low birth weight (less than 2500 grams , n= 30), and preterm(less than 37 weeks, n= 29) infants and the control group was represented by mothers of newborns at term (n = 30). The CAP diagnosis was performed by using periapical radiographs through the periapical index in postpartum period. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests and one way ANOVA.Results: The results of this study showed that 53.3% of the mothers in the control group, 55.2% in the preterm delivery group, and 53.3% in the low birth weight group had chronic apical periodontitis, and no statistically significant difference was observed among the three groups (P˃ 0.05).Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, it seems that the presence of periapical lesions in mothers may not be a risk for the preterm and low birth weight infants.Key words: Premature birth, low birth weight, chronic apical periodontitis

Introduction: Premature and low birth weight neonates are more prone to develop various disorders. These neonates undergo various investigations to confirm diagnosis. Cord blood samples are obtained without any intervention on the neonate, making them a useful source for analysing biomarkers and predicting disorders in premature and low birth weight neonates. Aim: To compare the biochemical parameters among premature neonates (low birth weight) versus matured term neonates (normal birth weight) in cord blood and venous samples. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre in Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India from July 2022 to September 2022. The study included two groups: Group 1 consisted of premature and low birth weight neonates, and Group 2 consisted of normal birth weight term neonates, with 53 participants in each group. Biochemical parameters like creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), Albumin, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), iron, and Creatine Kinase (CK) were analysed in cord blood and venous samples of these groups. Student’s t-test was used to compare between groups, and Pearson’s correlation was used to assess the association of biochemical parameters in cord blood and venous blood samples. Results: The mean age of the mothers and gestational age in group 1 were 24±4 years and 33±2.3 weeks, respectively. The mean weight of the neonates was 2135±241 grams. When cord blood samples were compared between the study groups, sodium, phosphorus and albumin were found to be significantly decreased and LDL-C was significantly increased in group 1, whereas GGT was significantly decreased in group 2 for venous blood. When cord blood samples were compared between the study groups, magnesium (r-value=0.2) was found to be significantly decreased in group 1. Conclusion: It was observed that biochemical parameters were significantly correlated, except for sodium, HDL-C, LDL-C, and GGT, between cord blood and venous blood samples. Hence, cord blood samples collected through non invasive methods can be used for sample analysis in neonates.

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) newborns especially those

Background: Neonatal mortality rate is very high in developing countries despite of advancement in perinatal and neonatal care with reduced neonatal mortality rate in many developed countries. This study aims to identify the reasons of admitting neonates for intensive care after vaginal delivery and their outcome. Materials and Methods: This is an observational descriptive study conducted for over a year at Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital which included newborns delivered vaginally within the hospital. Demographic data of newborn and mother was obtained, birth weight, reason for admission and final outcome were documented. Outcomes were classified as improved with recovery, mortality and discharge on request prior to recovery. Descriptive statistics such as mean, percentage and standard deviation were obtained. Results: Total 117 neonates were admitted to intensive care out of 3452 vaginal deliveries with male to female ratio of 1.9:2. There were 60 (51.3%) preterm, 55 (47%) full term and 2 (1.7%) post term; and 68 (58.1%) were low birth weight. Prematurity with respiratory distress syndrome was the most common cause of admission (34.2%) along with birth asphyxia (29, 24.8%) and meconium aspiration syndrome (20, 17.1%). Positive Airway Pressure was required in 42 (35.9%). Blood Culture positive growth was seen in 17.9% with most common organism being Staphylococcus aureus. Mean stay was 3.75±2.49 days andmortality in the study population was 6.8%. Conclusion: Prematurity with respiratory distress syndrome, birth asphyxia and meconium aspiration syndrome were major indications for admission of newborns delivered via vaginal deliveries to neonatal intensive care unit. One-fourth required mechanical ventilation.

Background Fluoride is a noxious element known to destroy gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to erythrocytes’ destruction and causing anaemia. The birth weight of newborn babies is a significant indicator of a child’s vulnerability to the risk of childhood diseases and chances of existence. Methods This prospective cohort study was planned to find linkages between fluorosis and the low-birth weight of newborn babies with anaemic mothers. Antenatal mothers until the 20th week of gestation were followed up till delivery in the Antenatal Clinic of a District Hospital in one of the known fluoride-endemic districts (Nagaur) and the other not-so-endemic district (Jodhpur) of Western Rajasthan. Results Around 19% of the newborn in Jodhpur and around 22% in Nagaur had low birth weight. Mean fluoride values in water samples were measured to be 0.57 (range from 0.0 to 2.7 PPM) in Jodhpur and 0.7 (range from 0.0 to 3.4 PPM) in Nagaur. Conclusions Thus, in fluoride endemic areas, other factors should be included besides iron and folic acid supplementation for improving anaemia in pregnant women. This calls for assessing the effectiveness of de-fluoridation activities along with the area’s most common indigenous food practices.

Background Low birth weight (LBW) is a major public health problem in Indonesia, and is a leading cause of neonatal mortality. Adequate antenatal care (ANC) utilization would help to prevent the incidence of LBW babies. This study aims to examine the association between ANC utilization and LBW children among women with high-risk birth criteria. High-risk birth criteria consisted of 4T which were too young (mother’s age 35 years old), too close (age gap between children 2 children). Methods This study utilized calendar data from the women’s module from the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS), with the unit of analysis only the last birth of women of childbearing age (15–49), which numbered 16,627 women. From this number, analysis was done by separating the criteria for women with high-risk birth. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the impact of ANC and socio-demographic factors on LBW among women with high-risk birth criteria. Results This study revealed that only among women with too many children criteria (>2 children), adequate ANC utilization was significantly associated with LBW of children, even after controlling for a range of socio-demographic factors (p < 0.05). In all four women criteria, preterm birth was more likely to have LBW than those infants who were born normally (above and equal to 2500 grams) (p < 0.001). Conclusions According to WHO, qualified ANC standards have not been fully implemented, including in the case of ANC visits of at least eight times, and it is hoped that ANC with health workers at health facilities can be increased. There is also a need for increased monitoring of pregnant women with a high risk of 4T to keep doing ANC visits to reduce LBW births.

Background: Due to improved survival of extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants, the frequency of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has remained unchanged or even increased. Objective: To study the frequency as well as the perinatal and neonatal risk factors of moderate-to-severe BPD and its related mortality in low-birth-weight (LBW) infants in a single-center study over 5 years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: A total of 461 LBW infants’ files with gestational age (GA) ≤ 32 weeks that met the inclusion criteria were retrospectively reviewed. Maternal and neonatal characteristics were evaluated. Furthermore, the hospital course of management of LBW infants and outcomes of mortality and morbidity were recorded. Results: The overall mortality rate in LBW and ELBW infants was 19.52% and 38.62%, respectively. At 36 weeks’ corrected GA, the total BPD frequency in LBW and ELBW infants was 9.87% and 32%, respectively. BPD(+) cases had a lower mean GA and birth weight than BPD(-) cases, 26 ± 2.68 weeks, 830 ± 340 grams and 29 ± 2.56 weeks, 1,395 ± 470 grams, respectively (p < 0.0001). The BPD(+) group had a significantly higher maternal chorioamnionitis infection rate, 8/39 (20.51%), than the BPD(-) group, 25/356 (7.02%) (p = 0.004), higher late-onset sepsis (11 [28.21%] and 54 [15.17%], p = 0.04). BPD(+) cases had a significantly higher risk of intubation in the delivery room, more frequently more than one dose of pulmonary surfactant, more invasive ventilation on day 1 and day 7, more days on oxygen therapy, more days on invasive and non-invasive ventilatory support, more days of hospitalization (115.41 ± 92.14 days compared to 43.72 ± 27.98 days in BPD[-]; all p < 0.0001). Conclusion: ELBW infants had a 2-fold higher rate of mortality and a 3-fold higher rate of BPD, compared with LBW infants. The frequency of BPD increased with low GA/birth weight and BPD(+) cases had a higher risk for intubation in the delivery room, received more frequently more than one dose of pulmonary surfactant, remained for more days on either invasive or non-invasive ventilatory support, and had longer hospital stays.

ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors of fertility behaviors with preterm birth and low birth weight， and to develop a nomogram model to predict the occurrence of low birth weight.MethodsBirth registration information in Shanghai from 2010 to 2020 was collected， and ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used to compare the differences in reproductive behavior factors and newborn health status across time. The odds ratio （OR） value and 95%CI were calculated by a multi-classification logistic regression model to determine the association between reproductive behavior factors and preterm birth or low birth weight infants. A nomogram model was established based on logistic model and the area under the ROC curve was used to assess the effect of the model.ResultsThis analysis included 2 089 384 live newborns. The incidence of full-term low birth weight， preterm normal weight and preterm low birth weight in Shanghai was 0.94%， 2.48% and 2.01%， respectively. From 2010 to 2020， 40.00% women had a history of abortion， the proportion of women who gave birth at age ≥40 years old increased from 1.05% to 2.24%， the proportion of fathers aged ≥40 years increased from 4.79% to 7.48%， and the proportion of women with postgraduate or above increased from 4.81% to 11.74%. The incidence of preterm low birth weight in Shanghai showed an increasing trend over time. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of preterm low birth weight was lower in female than in male infants （OR=0.97， 95%CI： 0.95‒0.98）， and the risk of full-term low birth weight was higher than in male infants （OR=1.85， 95%CI： 1.80‒1.90）. The risk of preterm birth and low birth weight was lower for couples of childbearing age with higher education. The risk of preterm low birth weight in newborns tended to increase with maternal age at childbirth >30 years， paternal age ≥40 years， and the number of abortions >2 times. Mother 35 years， father aged 30‒34 years， and the number of abortions >3 times were the risk factors of full-term low birth weight infants.ConclusionCouples of childbearing age who choose to have children at too high or too low age may increase the risk of preterm birth or low birth weight， so it is necessary to strengthen population awareness and promote age-appropriate childbirth. Multiple abortions are also associated with preterm birth and low birth weight， and it is advisable to popularize the scientific knowledge of contraception and birth control to reduce unnecessary abortions. The nomogram in the study can visualize the risk of full-term and low birth weight infant at different levels of factors， which can assist couples preparing for pregnancy in making decisions about the timing of childbirth and understanding the level of risk.

AbstractBackground Poor quality and inadequate of antenatal care (ANC) visits during pregnancy may increase the risk of preventable adverse pregnancy outcomes. We tested the hypothesis that the adequacy of ANC utilization combined with quality of ANC services will reduce the risk of low birth weight (LBW) and preterm delivery (P T D) in the Tamale metropolis of Ghana.Materials and methods A facility-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 553 postpartum women who had delivered within the last 12 months prior to the study. The overall utilization of ANC services was measured in terms of ANC timing, contacts, and content (TCC) of essential ANC services. The sample was drawn using systematic random sampling procedure. Primary data was collected from mothers by administering a structuredquestionnaire while the secondary data was extracted from individual records.Results After controlling for confounders, women who had adhered to all WHO recommendations in terms of ANC timing, frequency and content were 71 % protected from PTD, AOR = 0.29 (95 % CI: 0.15, 0.59) and 56 % protection from LBW AOR = 0.44 (95 % CI: 0.23, 0.83).Conclusion Individually and jointly, inadequate ANC contacts and content associatedsignificantly with preterm delivery than LBW.Key messagesLimited evidence exists on the joint effect of ANC services timing, contacts and content on adverse pregnancy outcomes.Total adherence to recommended ANC initiation, attendance and receipt of essential services had greater protection against PTD and LBW, compared to any single element/component of ANCWomen who had adequate overall ANC services utilization in terms of timing, contacts and content were 71 % protected from PTD, AOR = 0.29 (95 % CI: 0.15, 0.59) and 56 % protection from LBW AOR = 0.44 (95 % CI: 0.23, 0.83).

Objective: To assess fetal outcomes after in-utero exposure to unsafe drugs. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using data from medical records of pregnant women who received antenatal care over a two-year period (2019/2020). Inclusion was based on identification of prescription of potentially risky medications during pregnancy. Medication records, as well as delivery data, were extracted for analysis. The Australian drug evaluation committee classification system of risky medications was used for analysis. Results: Results showed that 44 – 65% of medicines prescribed in pregnancy carry significant risks to fetal wellbeing. Fetal outcomes showed high levels of low birth weight, still birth, and early neonatal death. The common medicines prescribed irrationally in pregnancy were, among others, antibiotics, ACEIs, NSAIDs, Biguanides, and opiates, all of which are associated with adverse fetal outcomes. Conclusion: There is a high level of fetal exposure to risky medications and adverse delivery outcomes. There is a need to improve prescription through prescriber training and awareness raising on existing guidelines on good prescribing practice for pregnant women.

Objective: Launching the introduction of kangaroo mother care (KMC) for low birth weight (LBW) babies in designated slum communities within the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation region, and documenting the effects of this program on critical indicators such as the percentage of mothers embracing KMC, the average length of KMC, the early initiation of breastfeeding, and the encouragement of exclusive breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: In the slum area of Bhiwandi, situated in the Thane district under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, we selected 1000 households. We identified LBW babies who born in this locality, and our field team conducted home visits. During these visits, families and mothers were guided on administering in-home care to these infants, emphasizing KMC. Subsequently, we monitored these infants for factors such as weight gain, breastfeeding initiation, the adoption of KMC, and the duration of KMC provided. Results: As of December 2021, we identified 100 instances of LBW infants. Of these, 95% received KMC, 46% received KMC for 6 h, and 42% received KMC for durations between 6 and 12 h. A total of 67% of these infants showed improvements in their weight. For 66% of the infants, breastfeeding was initiated within the first hour, and 69% were exclusively breastfed for the initial 6 months of life. Conclusion: The results highlight the significant potential for improving the adoption of KMC by maintaining regular home visits, delivering guidance to families and mothers, and ensuring continuous care for LBW infants. In addition, this approach contributes to a greater likelihood of early breastfeeding initiation and elevated exclusive breastfeeding rates.

BACKGROUND: There are both interim and long-standing effects of low birth weight, which is a significant global public health issue. Using data from the National Family Health Survey-5, which was conducted in 2019–21. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the father's attributes and low birth weight in India. Materials and Method: Both bivariate and multivariate approaches were used to analyze a total of 18,950 samples of families with kids. RESULT: The overall percentage of low birth weight in India was 16.6%. The highest prevalence of low birth weight was among younger fathers and mothers (17.6% and 18.2%), the father who went elementary school (16.7%), the mother non-educated (16.6%), paternal who had a drinking alcohol habit (15.3%), living in rural areas (15.3%), those belongs to Hindu religion (16.4%) and those from the central region (18%) of India. After accounting for major background influences, the adjusted odds ratios showed that, the paternal who have not completed more than a primary education, who is the Hindu religion, and who consume alcohol had the highest risk of LBW babies compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the incidence of low birth weight in India and how it relates to the characteristics of the father. The research will assist decision-makers in developing interventions to reduce low birth weight in India.

Purpose: In view of the raising rate of adverse birth outcomes (ABOs) across the globe, this study was conducted to assess the impact of medical conditions and medications received during pregnancy on ABOs. Materials and Methods: A prospective case–control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a tertiary care hospital over a period of 3 years from July 2015 to June 2018. Liveborn and stillborn neonates included in the study were categorized into cases and controls based on the presence or absence of composite ABOs, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for ABOs among medical conditions and medications received by mothers during their current pregnancy. Results: Among 1214 neonates included in the study, 556 (45.8%) were identified with composite ABOs, the majority were low birth weight (320 [26.4%]) and preterm birth 300 (24.7%). After adjusting for confounding factors, it was identified that hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.3), oligohydramnios (aOR 3.9), anemia (aOR 3.2), nifedipine (aOR 10.0), nicardipine (aOR 5.3), and magnesium sulfate (aOR 5.3) were the risk factors for overall and specific ABOs like preterm birth and low birth weight. It was also identified that the early detection and management of hypertension with antihypertensives like labetalol and methyldopa can reduce the risk of preterm birth by 93% and 88%, respectively. Conclusion: Medical conditions such as hypertension, oligohydramnios, and anemia and medications such as nifedipine, nicardipine, and magnesium sulfate during pregnancy were identified as the risk factors for overall and specific ABOs like preterm birth and low birth weight.

Resumen: Introducción: Chile tradicionalmente tiene un proceso estable de migración de personas provenientes desde Perú, Bolivia y Colombia. En los últimos ocho años comienza un fuerte incremento de llegada de nuevos migrantes, fundamentalmente de Haití y Venezuela. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es describir el impacto de este último proceso migratorio en los nacimientos y en los principales indicadores demográficos y biométricos neonatales en Chile de los últimos 8 años. Método: Se utilizó la base de datos nacional del Departamento de Informática del Ministerio de Salud de Chile (DEIS), obtenida por colaboración académica con el Programa de Salud de la Mujer del Ministerio de Salud de Chile. Se incluyeron todos los recién nacidos vivos ocurridos en Chile durante el período comprendido entre enero del año 2014 y septiembre del 2022. Se evaluaron los datos perinatales básicos, prematuridad, bajo peso al nacer y su relación con la edad gestacional de los nacidos de madres chilenas, sudamericanas y haitianas. Resultados: Nacimientos: En el período estudiado ocurrieron un total de 1.880.754 nacimientos. El 8,3% de ellos (156.858) fueron de madres migrantes o declaradas como extranjeras en el registro civil nacional. Desde el año 2014 a la actualidad existe un aumento de un 316% (3,1 a 12,9%) en los partos de madres de otras nacionalidades en Chile. En dicho período, las nacionalidades de madres extranjeras más frecuentes provienen de Perú (23%), Haití (20%), Venezuela (19%), Bolivia (13%) y Colombia (11%). Prematuridad: El porcentaje de nacidos bajo las 37 semanas fueron similares para las madres chilenas (8,6%) y las haitianas (8,6%) y fue significativamente menor para las madres de otras nacionalidades de Sudamérica (6,8%), Chi cuadrado p

The main aim of the study was to identify factors associated with preterm birth. The study was conducted for a period of 6 months from September 2019 to February 2020 in 1607 women at SVS Medical College and Hospital, and Sushrutha Hospital, Mahabubnagar and it eventually selected 80 pregnant women for the final experiment. Those pregnant women who had pre-eclampsia, intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy, placenta previa or chorioamnionitis were more likely to experience pre-term birth. A patient interview was conducted in a detailed manner and all the necessary information regarding the mother and the infant were collected to carry out the study. Among 80 patients, collected the highest number of 39 cases i.e. 49% in between the age group of 17-23 years and the least number of cases therefore 19 i.e. 24% in between the age group of 35-45 years. We studied that maternal variable such as social status and educational status also impacts deliveries. Alcoholics had the highest number of very pre-term deliveries i.e., 36.25%. And among undergraduates, moderate preterm deliveries were a predominant number, i.e. 38.75%. Among the cases collected, 22.5% of women who have previous abortions had the highest number of preterm births with 31 cases and 5% of women with thyroid had the least number of pre-term births. 41% of preemie births were observed in the gestational gap of < 18 months, while 24% were recorded in > 30 months. In between two types of deliveries, 69% of preemie births were observed in the cesarean section and normal delivery includes 31%. The results of our study reveal that there is a need to assess the causes and complications among pregnant women who are at risk of delivering a premature baby. We have concluded that counseling the patients about their risk factors is necessary, and the patients should be told that harmful social habits will have a huge impact on their baby, before or after the delivery.

Introduction: Birth weight is one of the most important criteria for determining neonatal and infant survival and is considered a sensitive index of the nation’s health and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines low birth weight (LBW) as “Birth weight less than 2500 grams” regardless of gestational age, the measurement being taken preferably within the first hour of life. Objectives:1)To estimate the prevalence of LBW among sample population at tertiary care hospital.2)To study the distribution of newborns, according to socio-demographic characteristics of the mother and its association with LBW. Method: A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out among 500 newborns between December 2020 and November 2021. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. The data were collected from the case file and face-to-face interview. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis. Results: Prevalence of low birth weight was 29.2%. Majority 271 (54.2%) of newborn mothers’age group was between 21 to 25 years. More than half 272 (54.4%) newborns were from mothers who studied up to primary level education and more than three forth 389 (77.8%) were from mothers who were housewives. Majority 293 (58.6%) of newborns were from the urban area, around three forth 382 (76.4%) newborns were Hindu andnearly two fifth 194 (38.8%) newborns belonged to lower middle class. Prevalence of low birth weight was significantly higher in mothers aged>35 and ≤20, who were illiterate, doing labour work and belonging to lower socio-economic class. Conclusion: The prevalence of Low Birth Weight was 29.2% among sample population. Socio-demographic variables like maternal age >35 years and ≤20 years, illiteracy, labour work and lower socio-economic class had shown significant risk for delivering Low Birth Weight babies.

Background: Despite a significant reduction in the prevalence of neonatal sepsis over the past three decades, the prevalence still remains high, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and presenting features of neonatal sepsis at a paediatric emergency centre (PEC). Methods: Medical records of all neonates presenting to an academic hospital PEC over a six-month period were analysed. Data was compared between neonates with and without sepsis. The odds ratio was calculated to determine factors associated with neonatal sepsis. Results: Of the 210 neonates who were included, 43 (20.5%) were diagnosed with neonatal sepsis. Of these, 19 (44.2%) presented within the first 72 hours of life (early-onset neonatal sepsis) and 4 (9.3%) died prior to hospital discharge. A history of maternal employment (odds ratio (OR) 2.38, p=0.021), preterm birth (OR 3.24, p=0.019), low birth weight (

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of complete coverage and content of available antenatal care (ANC) on the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) in 4 countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Methods: Measures of complete coverage and content of ANC services included the frequency of ANC visits and the seven service components (blood pressure measurement, iron supplementation, tetanus toxoid immunization, explanations of pregnancy complications, urine sample test, blood sample test, and weight measurement). The complete coverage and content of ANC services were assessed as high if more than 4 ANC visits and all seven components were delivered. Multivariable logistic regression with complex survey designs was conducted using Demographic Health Survey data from the 4 ASEAN countries in question from 2014 to 2017. Results: The proportion of LBW infants was higher in the Philippines (13.8%) than in Indonesia (6.7%), Cambodia (6.7%), or Myanmar (7.5%). Poor ANC services were associated with a 1.30 times higher incidence of LBW than a high level of complete coverage and content of ANC services (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 1.52). In addition, the risk of LBW was higher in the Philippines than in other countries (aOR, 2.25; 95% CI, 2.01 to 2.51) after adjusting for mothers’ demographic/socioeconomic factors, health behaviors, and other factors. Conclusions: In sum, complete coverage and content of ANC services were significantly associated with the incidence of LBW in Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar. The Philippines did not show statistically significant results for this relationship, but had a higher risk of LBW with poor ANC.

Abstract Background Several international studies have indicated an association between socioeconomic deprivation levels and adverse birth outcomes. In contrast, those investigating an association between socioeconomic status and low birth weight using nationwide data are limited in Japan. In this study, we investigated an association between municipal socioeconomic deprivation level and low birth weight by an ecological study. Methods Nationwide municipal-specific Vital Statistics data from 2013 to 2017 were used. We calculated the low birth weight rate and standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for low birth weight for each municipality and plotted them on a Japanese map. Furthermore, the correlation coefficient between them and the deprivation level were calculated. In addition, a spatial regression model including other municipal characteristics was used to investigate an association between low birth weight and the deprivation level. Results Municipalities with relatively high SIR for low birth weight were dispersed across all of Japan. The correlation coefficient between the socioeconomic deprivation level and low birth weight rate was 0.196 (p-value