Postnatal Growth Pattern of VLBW Infants Admitted at Patan Hospital - A Prospective Observational Study

Authors

  • Subash Paudeal Paediatrician, Khalanga Primary Health Center, 04 Mallarani, Pyuthan, Lumbini, Nepal.
  • Anil Raj Ojha Head of Department, Department of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal.
  • Shiva Prasad Sharma Chalise Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal
  • Sajal Twanabasu Paediatrician, Khwopa Hospital, Chyamhasingha Bhaktapur Minicipality ward-9, Bhaktapur, Nepal. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2629-6095
  • Subas Sharma Paediatrician, Damauli hospital, Vyas-4 Damauli, Tanahun, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60086/jnps1172

Keywords:

Birth weight, growth failure, neonate, VLBW

Abstract

Introduction: Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (birth weight < 1500 g) comprise about one-third of neonatal deaths. Regular growth monitoring of these infants helps in assessing their nutritional status and identifies those with inadequate weight gain. Studies on postnatal growth velocities in VLBW infants have not been published so far in Nepal. Hence, this study aimed to describe postnatal growth pattern of VLBW infants admitted at Patan Hospital.

Methods: It is a prospective observational study on VLBW infants admitted at Patan Hospital between March 17, 2021 and March 16, 2022. Weight, length, and head circumference (HC) were recorded and plotted on Fenton growth chart regularly until discharge. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel and analysed with SPSS version 25.

Results: Seventy-two VLBW infants were admitted during the study period. Fiftyseven infants survived till they regained their birth weights and were included in final analyses. The mean weight gain velocity calculated from birth until discharge was 10.72 ± 2.98 g / kg / d and that after regaining birth weight was 17.33 ± 4.67 g / kg / d. These infants gained their length and HC on an average of 1.21 cm / week and 0.79 cm / week respectively. The incidence of postnatal growth failure at the time of discharge was 61.40%.

Conclusions: The growth velocities in our VLBW infants is comparable to the standard recommended intrauterine rates. A large multi-centre prospective study is recommended to validate findings of this study

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Published

2024-12-20

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 3 (2024)

Section

Original Articles