Sociodemographic determinants associated with breastfeeding in term infants with low birth weight in Latin American countries

BACKGROUND A progressive decrease in exclusive breastfeeding(BF)is observed in Latin America and the Caribbean compared with global results.The possibility of being breastfed and continuing BF for>6 months is lower in low birth weight than in healthy-weight infants.AIM To identify factors associated with BF maintenance and promotion,with particular attention to low-and middle-income countries,by studying geographic,socioeconomic,and individual or neonatal health factors.METHODS A scoping review was conducted in 2018 using the conceptual model of social determinants of health published by the Commission on Equity and Health Inequalities in the United States.The extracted data with common characteristics were synthesized and categorized into two main themes:(1)Sociodemographic factors and proximal determinants involved in the initiation and maintenance of BF in low-birth-weight term infants in Latin America;and(2)individual characteristics related to the self-efficacy capacity for BF maintenance and adherence in low-birth-weight term infants.RESULTS This study identified maternal age,educational level,maternal economic capacity,social stratum,exposure to BF substitutes,access to BF information,and quality of health services as mediators for maintaining BF.CONCLUSION Individual self-efficacy factors that enable BF adherence in at-risk populations should be analyzed for better health outcomes.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Extremely Premature Infants with Extremely Low and Very Low Birth Weight at Three Years of Age: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: The purpose of this retrospective study is to identify medical conditions impacting neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely low birth weight and very low birth weight preterm infants at three years of age. Methods: Infants born in Banner Diamond Children’s University Medical Center, receiving services in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, and attending Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Clinic were identified. Participants received developmental assessment and follow-up from August 2012 through December 2018. Relevant clinical conditions during initial hospital stay and up to three years of age were obtained by reviewing medical and developmental records. Bayley Scales of Infant Toddler Development (Bayley III) was used to evaluate skill development at 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 months. Results: Data analysis did not reveal significant p-values;it did demonstrate that some predictor variables impact neurodevelopmental outcomes in cognitive, language and motor skill development. Conclusion: This retrospective study reports significant association between birth weight and low cognitive scores. Correlations were also found between gestational age and Total Language, and the longer an infant stayed in the NICU, the poorer the Total Language Scaled Scores at 8 to 12 months, 15 to 18 months, and 24 to 36 months. Birth weight was found to be the greatest predictor of poor motor scores.

Study on the Relationship between Nursing Staffing and Nosocomial Infection in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Background: At present, there is no domestic research on the relationship between nurse staffing and hospital infection in very low birth weight infants. In this paper, we will explore the relationship between nurses of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and nosocomial infections. Methods: The clinical data of 280 very low birth weight infants born in our hospital from January 2010 to January 2020 were collected, and the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to study the nursing staff of each very low birth weight infant who was admitted to the NICU The relationship between the number of infections and hospital infections. Results: On average, each nurse needs to care for 4.3 very low birth weight infants (lowest to highest: 2.50 - 8.42). In the univariate analysis, the higher the incidence of urinary tract infection (P < 0.05), the multivariate logistic regression analysis of neonatal nosocomial infection showed that nurse staffing was significantly related to the incidence of urinary tract infection (OR = 1.78;95% confidence interval, 1.17 - 2.35, P < 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between nurse staffing and bloodstream infection (OR = 0.91;95% confidence interval, 0.74 - 1.06, P > 0.05) or Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) infection (OR = 1.17;95% confidence interval, 0.94 - 1.47, P > 0.05). Conclusion: Our research shows that in the neonatal intensive care unit, the reasonable deployment of nursing staff is an important factor in preventing urinary tract infections in very low birth weight infants. It is important for improving the survival rate of very low birth weight infants and reducing the occurrence of sequelae.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Premature Infants with Very Low Birth Weight: A Single Centre Retrospective Study in China

To investigate bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and its treatment with dexamethasone (DEX) in premature infants with birth weight (BW) < 1500 g. We retrospectively reviewed the records of preterm infants admitted to the Division of Neonatology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University between September 2011 and December 2014. Patients were excluded if they needed oxygen therapy but were lost to follow-up at ≤36 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA) or <56 days after birth, or they had severe congenital anomalies. The incidence of BPD was 18% (37/212). Gestational age (GA) was <32 weeks in all BPD patients. GA, BW, and Apgar scores were lower and hospitalization duration and pulmonary surfactant (PS) use were higher in the BPD group than in the non-BPD group (P < 0.05). Risk factors for BPD included neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal pneumonia, positive sputum culture, pulmonary hemorrhage, respiratory failure. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that GA (odds ratio [OR]: 0.479, P = 0.004) and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (OR: 6.146, P = 0.043) were independent risk factors for BPD. DEX was administered to 26 patients after the diagnosis of BPD. After one and two weeks of DEX treatment, the oxygen requirement had significantly reduced compared to the week prior to treatment (P < 0.05), while during treatment, the weight gain rate and weight gain efficiency slower significantly than that during either of the two preceding weeks (P < 0.001). These results suggest that low GA was the most important risk factor for BPD, DEX reduced oxygen dependency but decreased weight gain.

A Clinical Analysis of Physical and Neurological Development in very Low Birth Weight Infants with MEIR(Massage,Exercises,Intelligence training,and Rehabilitation training)

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the application of MEIR(Massage,Exercises,Intelligence training,and Rehabilitation training)in Chinese VLBW infants and to observe its effects on infants’growth and deve1opment.Methods:Clinical data of 92 VLBW infants who were treated at the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)of Loudi Centra1 Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were grouped as the MEIRgroup(n=47)and controls(n=45).Physical and neurodevelopment deve1opment were compared between the two groups.Results:There were differences in height and weight and head circumference between the two groups at all corrected ages(all P<0.05).Abnormal motions,reflexes,muscular tension,audio-visual reactions,and posture,and the total numbers of abnormalities of 3-,6-,9-and 12-corrected month-old infants in the MElRgroup were 1ower than in the control group(all P<0.05).The mental development index and psychomotor development index of 6-and 12-corrected month infants in the MEIR group were higher than in the control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion:MEIR could improve the physical and neurological developments of VLBW infants,reduce the incidence of adverse events,and improve their growth and development.

Application of prolonging small feeding volumes early in life to prevent of necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight preterm infants

Objective:To study the effects of prolonging small feeding volumes early in life on the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC)in very low birth weight(VLBW)preterm infants.Methods:A total of 128 VLBW infants who could not be breastfed were assigned into the experimental group(63 cases)and the control group(65 cases)using a random number table.The experiment group was fed 12 mL/(kg·d)on day 1 which was increased to 24 mL/(kg·d)for the first 10 study days.The control group was fed 12 mL/(kg·d)for the first 14e48 hours.Then,the feeding volume increased by 24-36 mL/(kg·d)up to 140e160 mL/(kg·d)and maintained until the 10th day after birth.The incidence of feeding intolerance and NEC,duration of hospitalization,time to full enteral feedings,incidence of intrahepatic cholestasis,and the levels of gastrin and motilin in serum were assessed.Results:The incidence of feeding intolerance was significantly lower in the experimental group compared with the control group(15.87% vs.33.84%).There was a significant reduction in the incidence of NEC between the experimental and control groups(7.9% vs.16% in the control group).Conclusion:A protocol that prolongs small feeding volumes early in life can reduce the incidence and severity of NEC,but still warrants further study.

Neonatal Nutrition and Later Outcomes of Very Low Birth Weight and Preterm Infants <32 Gestational Age at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Portugal

Premature infants, especially those born with less than 1500 g, often exhibit slow overall growth. Lack of early nutritional support is an important element. The present authors describe parenteral nutritional practices in a tertiary hospital and evaluate postnatal growth of preterm infants under 32 weeks of gestational age or with a birth weight < 1500 g. For population study, we examined 431 newborn files. Their median gestational age was 29.7 weeks. Of them, 25.4% were small for gestational age (SGA). 77.5% received parenteral nutrition (PN), 54.5% of which was provided on the first day. The average time was 14.7 days. The average weight gain by the 30th day was 425 g. At discharge, 37% were rd month 20% had their weight under P3, decreasing to 10% by the 12th month. Children who initiated PN in the first 24 hours of life had significantly better weight on the 30th day of their life (p th month of corrected age (p = 0.038). And they had better Body Mass Index (BMI) in the 3rd (p = 0.012) and 12th (p = 0.023) months. Despite better feeding practices, there is still significant failure in post natal growth. Early introduction of PN was associated with an improved weight gain, which suggests that nutrition that included amino acids may be critical during the first 24 hours of life.

Determinant of Low Birth Weight Infants: A Matched Case Control Study

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is a well-known factor associated with neonatal mortality and has contributed to a range of poor health outcomes. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine factors associated with LBW infants. Methods: A matched case control study was conducted in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Data of deliveries were obtained from Total Hospital Information System and medical records. All registered deliveries from January to June 2012 were used as sample populations. There were 180 pairs of cases and controls matched on babies’ gender. Fourteen variables were analyzed: maternal age, ethnicity, gravida, parity, gestational age, maternal booking weight, height and body mass index (BMI), history of low birth weight infants, birth interval, booking hemoglobin levels, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and mode of delivery. Results: Younger mother (t = 6.947, p < 0.001), lower booking BMI (t = 3.067, p = 0.002), prematurity (t = 12.324, p < 0.001), history of LBW infants (OR = 3.0, p = 0.001), LSCS (OR = 0.06, p = 0.001) and current hypertension (OR = 3.1, p = 0.008) were found significant in bivariate analysis. Multivariable conditional logistic regression identified younger maternal age (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.86 -4.51, p 13.58, p = 0.045), prematurity (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.79 -3.26, p < 0.001), and current hypertension (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.06 -19.22, p = 0.041) as significant factors associated with LBW infants. Conclusion: Younger maternal age, history of LBW infants, prematurity and hypertension have been recognized as predictors of LBW infants. The importance of pre-pregnancy screening, early antenatal booking and proper identification of high risk-mother needs to be strengthened and enforced in effort to reduce incidence of LBW infants.

Neurally adjusted ventilator assist in very low birth weight infants:Current status

Continuous improvements in perinatal care have resultedin increased survival of premature infants.Their immature lungs are prone to injury with mechanical ventilation and this may develop into chronic lung disease(CLD) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.Strategies to minimize the risk of lung injury have been developed and include improved antenatal management(education,regionalization,steroids,and antibiotics),exogenous surfactant administration and reduction of barotrauma by using exclusive or early noninvasive ventilatory support.The most frequently used mode of assisted ventilation is pressure support ventilation that may lead to patientventilator asynchrony that is associated with poor outcome.Ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction or disuse atrophy of diaphragm fibers may also occur.This has led to the development of new ventilation modes including neurally adjusted ventilatory assist(NAVA).This ventilation mode is controlled by electrodes embedded within a nasogastric catheter which detect the electrical diaphragmatic activity(Edi) and transmit it to trigger the ventilator in synchrony with the patient's own respiratory efforts.This permits the patient to control peak inspiratory pressure,mean airway pressure and tidal volume.Back up pressure control(PC) is provided when there is no Edi signal and no pneumatic trigger.Compared with standard conventional ventilation,NAVA improves blood gas regulation with lower peak inspiratory pressure and oxygen requirements in preterm infants.NAVA is safe mode of ventilation.The majority of studies have shown no significant adverse events in neonates ventilated with NAVA nor a difference in the rate of intraventricular hemorrhage,pneumothorax,or necrotizing enterocolitis when compared to conventional ventilation.Future large size randomized controlled trials should be established to compare NAVA with volume targeted and pressure controlled ventilation in newborns with mature respiratory drive.Most previous studies and trials were not sufficiently large and did not include longterm patient oriented outcomes.Multicenter,randomized,outcome trials are needed to determine whether NAVA is effective in avoiding intubation,facilitating extubation,decreasing time of ventilation,reducing the incidence ofCLD,decreasing length of stay,and improving long-term outcomes such as the duration of ventilation,length of hospital stay,rate of pneumothorax,CLD and other major complications of prematurity.In order to prevent barotrauma,next generations of NAVA equipment for neonatal use should enable automatic setting of ventilator parameters in the backup PC mode based on the values generated by NAVA.They should also include an upper limit to the inspiratory time as in conventional ventilation.The manufacturers of Edi catheters should produce smaller sizes available for extreme low birth weight infants.Newly developed ventilators should also include leak compensation and high frequency ventilation.A peripheral flow sensor is also essential to the proper delivery of all modes of conventional ventilation as well as NAVA.

The Impact of Third Trimester Maternal Serum Vitamin B12 and Folate Status on Fetal Birth Weight. Is Maternal Serum Homocysteine a Predictor of Low Birth Weight Infants?

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine status in pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy and their relationship to fetal birth weight and their correlation to corresponding neonatal cord blood levels, and in addition, to evaluate the possibility of maternal serum homocysteine level as a predictor of low birth weight infants. Subjects and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of two hundred pregnant women in third trimester (≥28 weeks) were recruited. After a detailed obstetrical and medical history, and clinical assessment, participants were subdivided into two groups: Group (A)—pregnant women who delivered average birth weight (ABW) infants and Group (B) for those who delivered low birth weight (LBW) infants between completed 37 and 42 weeks. Results: Vitamin B12 deficiency was observed in 24.1% of the total cohort. The mean vitamin B12 level was significantly lower in group (B) compared to group (A) (195.2 ± 38.9 vs. 225.9 ± 66.59 respectively P = 0.008). The mean level of homocysteine for women in group (B) was significantly higher than those determined from women in group (A) (9.10 ± 5.9 vs. 7.6 ± 3.83 respectively, P = 0.042). On the other hand, the mean folate levels showed statistically insignificant differences between both groups. The mean cord vitamin B12 level was significantly lower in LBW infants in comparison to ABW infants (277 ± 61.93 vs. 312.03 ± 81.87 respectively, P = 0.015), while the mean level of cord homocysteine for LBW infants was significantly higher than those levels determined from ABW infants (7.9 ± 3.79 vs. 6.6 ± 2.09 respectively P = 0.0049). Conclusion: Maternal micronutrients particularly cobalamin deficiency could be significant risk for LBW infants. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been shown to be a predictor for adverse pregnancy outcomes particularly LBW.

Effect of Aggressive Early High-Dose Intravenous Amino Acid Infusion and Early Trophic Enteral Nutrition on Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Objective: Very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants are at risk of growth delay if they do not receive adequate nutritional support. This study evaluated the effect of aggressive early high-dose amino acid infusion plus early enteral trophic feeding on growth in VLBW infants within the first day of life. Study Design: The effect of a high-dose 3 g amino acid (HAA)/kg/d regimen beginning on the first day of life was compared with that of low-dose amino acid (LAA) supplementation at a dose of 0.5 or 1.0 g/kg/d. The primary outcome measures were the days of regained birth weight and achieved full enteral feeding. Result: Compared with the 19 infants in the LAA group, the 17 infants in the HAA group achieved significantly earlier full enteral feeding (7.8 ± 3.6 vs. 15.2 ± 8.9, p = 0.003) and regained birth weight (13.3 ± 3.8 vs. 17.5 ± 7.9, p = 0.047). In addition, shorter parenteral nutrition time was achieved by HAA administration (p Conclusion: Aggressive early simultaneous amino acid administration plus enteral feeding during the first few days of life for preterm infants was associated with improved weight gain and earlier full enteral feeding.

The Effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infection on Low Birth Weight, Mother to Child HIV Transmission and Infants’ Death in African Area

Background: It is yet a controversy subject whether low birth weight and infant death are associated to human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection. Objective: To appreciate association between low birth weights, mother to child HIV transmission and infant mortality in HIV-1 infected pregnant women delivering between 2011 and 2016. Materials: We conducted 6 years cohort study in urban Mali. Outcome included preterm delivery, small for gestational age, infant survival status and HIV transmission. Comparison concerned women clinical WHO stage, mother viro-immunological status, and newborn anthropometric parameters. Results: HIV-1 infected women who delivered low birth weight newborn were 20.9% (111/531) versus 16.5% (1910/11.546) in HIV negative patients (p = 0.016). CD4 T cell counts low than 350 T cells count were strongly associated to LBW (p = 0.000;RR = 3.03;95% CI [1.89 - 3.16]). There is no significant association between ART that was initiated during pregnancy (p = 0.061, RR = 0.02;CI 95% (1.02 - 1.99)) or during delivery (p = 0.571;RR = 1.01;CI 95% (0.10 - 3.02)) and LBW delivery. In multivariate analysis ART regimens containing protease inhibitor (PI) were lone regimens associated with LBW ((p = 0.030;RR = 1.001;95% confidence interval [1.28 - 3.80]). Very low birth weight was statistically associated to women HIV infection (adjusted relative risk, 2.02;p = 0.000;95% confidence interval (2.17 - 4.10)). There is no significant difference between mother to child HIV transmission rate in the two HIV-infected pregnant women (10 infected children in group 2: MTCT rate 4.5%) and 3 infected children in group 1 (MTCT rate: 2.7%) (p = 0.56;RR, 0.59;CI 95% (0.18 - 4.39)). In multivariate analysis, LBW was associated with infant death (p = 0.001;RR = 2.04;CI 95% [1.04 - 5.05]). The median weight of infant at the moment of death in group 1 was 851 g (IQR: 520 - 1833 g). Significant relationship was found between infant death among LBW newborn with mother WHO stage 2 (p = 0.004;adjusted RR = 3.22;CI 95% [2.25 - 6.00]), CD4 T cells count 3 (p = 0.005;RR = 2.81;CI 95% [1.20 - 4.11]), PI regimens (p = 0.030;RR = 1.00;CI 95% [1.28 - 3.80]). Conclusion: We confirm increased risk of low birth weight and mother HIV-1 infection and we identified strongest association between mortality in infant born to HIV-1 infected mother and LBW.

Associated Factors to Immunization Timeliness and Completion in Preterm and Low Birth Weight Infants at Essos Hospital Center Yaounde

Introduction: Vaccination is very often delayed in premature and low birth weight infants. However, timely vaccination is even more important in this population because of their increased susceptibility to infection. Objective: To assess immunization practice and factors associated with vaccine promptness and completeness in former preterm and low-birth-weight infants. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analytical cross-sectional study (January 2017 to February 2019). Main Measurement: Promptness and completeness at each contact, Statistical analysis was performed using R software version 3.6.2, logistic regression was used to estimate the Odds Ratio (OR) and their 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Results: We recruited 310 children aged 12 to 36 months born before 37 weeks with low birth weight, 163 (52.6%) of whom were female. Two hundred and fifty-three had received the vaccines at the indicated age, with promptness rate of 81.6%, and 97.7% had completed routine immunization at 9 months. The mean age at vaccination initiation was 6 days ± 11 and the mean weight at vaccination initiation was 2233 g ± 494. High prematurity and very low birth weight were associated with a high rate of vaccine delay: 61.5% [OR: 15.56;(CI: 3.22 - 118.52;p = 0.002)] and 66.7% [OR: 19.19;(CI: 4.67 - 92.52;p < 0.001)] respectively. Distance > 5 km with EHC [OR: 3.48;(CI: 1.68 - 7.47;p = 0.001)] was associated with poor vaccination. Women in common-law unions had the lowest vaccine readiness rate (60.6%), (OR: 3.36;CI: 1.006 - 10.70;p = 0.038). The frequency of occurrence of post immunization adverse events was 24.5%, with fever type in 94.7%. Conclusion: Almost all premature and/or low-birth-weight children hospitalized at Essos Hospital Center had completed routine immunization at 9 months, and the majority had received the vaccines in a timely manner. Similar study is needed in rural area.

Hypoglycaemia in screening oral glucose tolerance test in pregnancy with low birth weight fetus

Maternal hypoglycemia,a condition characterized by lower than normal blood glucose levels in pregnant women,has been increasingly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes,including low birth weight(LBW)in neonates.LBW,defined as a birth weight of less than 2500 g,can result from various factors,including maternal nutrition,health status,and metabolic conditions like hypoglycemia.Maternal hypoglycemia may affect fetal growth by altering the supply of essential nutrients and oxygen to the fetus,leading to restricted fetal development and growth.This condition poses significant risks not only during pregnancy but also for the long-term health of the child,increasing the likelihood of developmental delays,health issues,and chronic conditions later in life.Research in this area has focused on understanding the mechanisms through which maternal hypoglycemia influences fetal development,with studies suggesting that alterations in placental blood flow and nutrient transport,as well as direct effects on fetal insulin levels and metabolism,may play a role.Given the potential impact of maternal hypoglycemia on neonatal health outcomes,early detection and management are crucial to minimize risks for LBW and its associated complications.Further investigations are needed to fully elucidate the complex interactions between maternal glucose levels and fetal growth,as well as to develop targeted interventions to support the health of both mother and child.Understanding these relationships is vital for improving prenatal care and outcomes for pregnancies complicated by hypoglycemia.

Prevention of peripherally inserted central catheter-related infections in very low-birthweight infants by using a central line bundle guideline with a standard checklist

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of using a central line bundle(CLB)guideline with a standard checklist in the prevention of peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC)-related infections(CRIs)in very low-birth-weight infants(VLBWIs).Methods:Fifty-seven VLBWIs who underwent PICC insertion at a hospital in Qingdao,China,between November 2012 and June 2013,were monitored with the CLB guideline and a standard checklist.Fifty-three VLBWIs who underwent PICC insertion were monitored by standard hospital procedures.The incidence of CRIs was compared between the two groups.Results:The incidence of infection significantly decreased from 10.0%catheter days in the control group to 2.2%catheter days in the study group(p<0.05).The indwelling catheter time significantly increased in the study group compared to the control group(31.9±15.0days vs.24.8±7.4 days,respectively,p<0.05).Colonization infections also decreased from 6.9% catheter days in the control group to 2.2%catheter days in the study group(p<0.05).The incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections decreased from 3.1%catheter days in the control group to 0%catheter days in the study group.Conclusion:The use of a CLB guideline with a standard checklist could be an effective and feasible protocol for preventing CRIs and prolonging indwelling catheter timein VLBWIs.

Epidemioclinical Profile and Immediate Outcome of Low Birth Weight at the Reference Health Center in Commune VI of the District of Bamako, Mali

Introduction: Low birth weight is responsible for 9.1 million child deaths each year worldwide. It is the leading cause of perinatal and infant mortality. The objective of this work was to determine the epidemio-clinical profile as well as the future of low birth weight at the Reference Health Center of commune VI in the district of Bamako, Mali. Methods: Our study was descriptive and prospective over a year from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019. Data were taken from hospital records and newborn referral/evacuation forms. Data processing was performed using Epi Info software version 3.5.4 and Word. Results: The frequency of low birth weight was 34.94%. Multiparity accounted for 47.84%, sex ratio was 0.93, maternal arterial hypertension was present in 41.66%, genitourinary infection was in 58.37% and delivery was by low way in 86.12%. The majority of newborns had a gestational age between 28SA-33SA (56.52%) and a weight between 1501-1999 grams (47.36%). Mortality accounted for 18.66%. Conclusion: Low birth weight is common in our settings with modifiable risk factors. Practitioners must play on them to minimize its importance.

Epidemiology of Low Birth Weight in the Lake Areas of Cotonou (Benin Republic)

Introduction: Low birth weight is a significant public health problem worldwide, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of low birth weight in the lake areas of Cotonou. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study included 931 records of women who gave birth in 2022 in the Cotonou 1-4 health zone. Completed maternity records were included in this study, except for premature births and congenital malformations. Birth weight was the dependent variable. Sociodemographic, obstetrical, preventive care and child-related data were collected using a digitized form. These data were analyzed using SPSS software to determine the prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of low birth weight was 16.30%. Factors related to this prevalence were non-use of mosquito nets during pregnancy (OR = 2.72;CI: 1.275 - 5.805), twin pregnancy (OR = 9.97;CI: 3.869 - 25.696), previous abortion (OR = 1.61;CI: 1.034 - 2.515), low number of pregnancy (OR = 3.97;CI: 1.276 - 12.393), trimester of first antenatal visit (OR = 3.47;CI: 1.821 - 6.638) and birth size less than 45 cm (OR = 5.98;CI: 2.965 - 12.083). Conclusion: The prevalence obtained from this study justifies the need to support pregnant women in this health zone. It is, therefore, essential to strengthen communication and health promotion strategies for women before, during, and after pregnancy.

Epidemiology of Low Birth Weight in the Lake Areas of Cotonou (Benin Republic)

Introduction: Low birth weight is a significant public health problem worldwide, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of low birth weight in the lake areas of Cotonou. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study included 931 records of women who gave birth in 2022 in the Cotonou 1-4 health zone. Completed maternity records were included in this study, except for premature births and congenital malformations. Birth weight was the dependent variable. Sociodemographic, obstetrical, preventive care and child-related data were collected using a digitized form. These data were analyzed using SPSS software to determine the prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of low birth weight was 16.30%. Factors related to this prevalence were non-use of mosquito nets during pregnancy (OR = 2.72;CI: 1.275 - 5.805), twin pregnancy (OR = 9.97;CI: 3.869 - 25.696), previous abortion (OR = 1.61;CI: 1.034 - 2.515), low number of pregnancy (OR = 3.97;CI: 1.276 - 12.393), trimester of first antenatal visit (OR = 3.47;CI: 1.821 - 6.638) and birth size less than 45 cm (OR = 5.98;CI: 2.965 - 12.083). Conclusion: The prevalence obtained from this study justifies the need to support pregnant women in this health zone. It is, therefore, essential to strengthen communication and health promotion strategies for women before, during, and after pregnancy.

Delivery room resuscitation and short-term outcomes of extremely preterm and extremely low birth weight infants: a multicenter survey in North China

Background:Delivery room resuscitation assists preterm infants,especially extremely preterm infants(EPI)and extremely low birth weight infants(ELBWI),in breathing support,while it potentially exerts a negative impact on the lungs and outcomes of preterm infants.This study aimed to assess delivery room resuscitation and discharge outcomes of EPI and ELBWI in China.Methods:The clinical data of EPI(gestational age[GA]<28 weeks)and ELBWI(birth weight[BW]<1000 g),admitted within 72 h of birth in 33 neonatal intensive care units from five provinces and cities in North China between 2017 and 2018,were analyzed.The primary outcomes were delivery room resuscitation and risk factors for delivery room intubation(DRI).The secondary outcomes were survival rates,incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD),and risk factors for BPD.Results:A cohort of 952 preterm infants were enrolled.The incidence of DRI,chest compressions,and administration of epinephrine was 55.9%(532/952),12.5%(119/952),and 7.0%(67/952),respectively.Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for DRI were GA<28 weeks(odds ratio[OR],3.147;95%confidence interval[CI],2.082–4.755),BW<1000 g(OR,2.240;95%CI,1.606–3.125),and antepartum infection(OR,1.429;95%CI,1.044–1.956).The survival rate was 65.9%(627/952)and was dependent on GA.The rate of BPD was 29.3%(181/627).Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for BPD were male(OR,1.603;95% CI,1.061–2.424),DRI(OR,2.094;95% CI,1.328–3.303),respiratory distress syndrome exposed to≥2 doses of pulmonary surfactants(PS;OR,2.700;95%CI,1.679–4.343),and mechanical ventilation≥7 days(OR,4.358;95% CI,2.777–6.837).However,a larger BW(OR,0.998;95% CI,0.996–0.999),antenatal steroid(OR,0.577;95%CI,0.379–0.880),and PS use in the delivery room(OR,0.273;95%CI,0.160–0.467)were preventive factors for BPD(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Improving delivery room resuscitation and management of respiratory complications are imperative during early management of the health of EPI and ELBWI.

Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight and Preterm Birth：A Population-based Case-control Study in Wuhan,China

Low birth weight（LBW） and preterm birth（PB） are associated with newborn mortality and diseases in adulthood.We explored factors related to LBW and PB by conducting a population-based case-control study from January 2011 to December 2013 in Wuhan,China.A total of 337 LBW newborn babies,472 PB babies,and 708 babies with normal birth weights and born from term pregnancies were included in this study.Information of newborns and their parents was collected by trained investigators using questionnaires and referring to medical records.Univariate and logistic regression analyses with the stepwise selection method were used to determine the associations of related factors with LBW and PB.Results showed that maternal hypertension（OR=6.78,95% CI：2.27–20.29,P=0.001）,maternal high-risk pregnancy（OR=1.53,95% CI：1.06–2.21,P=0.022）,and maternal fruit intake ≥300 g per day during the first trimester（OR=1.70,95% CI：1.17–2.45,P=0.005） were associated with LBW.BMI ≥24 kg/m^2 of mother prior to delivery（OR=0.48,95% CI：0.32–0.74,P=0.001） and gestation ≥37 weeks（OR=0.01,95% CI：0.00–0.02,P〈0.034） were protective factors for LBW.Maternal hypertension（OR=3.36,95% CI：1.26–8.98,P=0.016）,maternal high-risk pregnancy（OR=4.38,95% CI：3.26–5.88,P〈0.001）,maternal meal intake of only twice per day（OR=1.88,95% CI：1.10–3.20,P=0.021）,and mother liking food with lots of aginomoto and salt（OR=1.60,95% CI：1.02–2.51,P=0.040） were risk factors for PB.BMI ≥24 kg/m^2 of mother prior to delivery（OR=0.66,95% CI：0.47–0.93,P=0.018）,distance of house from road ≥36 meters（OR=0.72,95% CI：0.53– 0.97,P=0.028）,and living in rural area（OR= 0.60,95% CI：0.37–0.99,P=0.047） were protective factors for PB.Our study demonstrated some risk factors and protective factors for LBW and PB,and provided valuable information for the prevention of the conditions among newborns.