Background: LBW is defined by as weight at birth of less than 2500gm irrespective of gestation. The most important marker for adverse perinatal and neonatal outcome is the birth weight. There is increased risk of mortality among low birth weight by 2-3 times as compared to normal birth weight babies due to infection. So, this study aims at identifying the clinical profile of Low birth weight neonates in a rural tertiary care hospital.

Method: Prospective hospital based study was conducted on 100 neonates with low birth weight(less than 2500gm) admitted in Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of department of Pediatrics, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of medical science and research(MMIMSR) Mullana-ambala (Haryana) from September 2015 to October 2016.. Maternal and neonatal risk factors were recorded. The study was designed to assess the clinical profile of LBW babies. All neonates less than 2500gms irrespective of gestational age, were examined and a detailed history was obtained and recorded in a predesigned Proforma.

Results: Out of 100 neonates, seventy four (74%) were categorized as low birth weight neonates, twenty four (24%) as very low birth weight and two (2%) were extremely low birth weight. Seventy two (72%) of enrolled group were appropriate for gestational age and twenty eight (28%) were small for gestational age. Majority of the neonates were born at a gestational age of 34-36 weeks. Blood group of both mother and newborn was analysed. Maximum of the mothers were found to be O+ve (n=20) blood group and newborns of B+ve (n=18) blood group. Neonatal hyperbilirubinenia (32%) was the leading cause requiring admission followed by Prematurity (25%) sepsis (18%), respiratory distress syndrome (15%) and birth asphyxia (10%).

Conclusion: Most of low birth babies are AGA babies. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NNHB) and Prematurity were the leading cause requiring admission. Hence antenatal programs to prevent prematurity and low birth weight babies should be strengthened.

Keywords: Low birth weight newborn, Appropriate for gestational age, Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

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Dr Bablu Kumar Gaur (M.D Pediatrics)

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