Developmental Outcome of Nicu Graduate Weighing Less than 2500 Grams in A Tertiary Care Hospital

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Original Article

Author Details : Rahul Sinha, Kirandeep Sodhi, S.S Dalal, B.M John

Volume : 2, Issue : 1, Year : 2016

Article Page : 7-14

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Abstract

Background and objective: The early intervention programmes designed for low birth weight babies can be beneficial to improve the prognosis in terms of physical growth and neurodevelopmental outcome. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing these, so that the low birth infants can be screened early for better outcome.
Methodology: 50 NICU graduates weighing less than 2500 grams were enrolled into the study. The various antenatal, perinatal and postnatal factor influencing growth and neurodevelopmental outcome were recorded in a predesigned performa. The outcome was measured at one year of age in terms of hearing by BERA at 6-8 weeks, physical growth by anthropometric measurements, neurodevelopment status by DASII, vision by ophthalmologist as per predesigned protocol.
Results: 26% of all NICU graduates were ELBW. Smallest one in present data was 750 grams and 26 weeks of gestation. The babies at a gestational age between 28-32 weeks were at increased risk for neonatal problems. Maternal disease was more consistently associated with ELBW babies though it was also common with VLBW babies. Respiratory Distress Syndrome was the most common problem faced in 44% of all babies. In ELBW population Necrotizing Enterocolitis also formed important risk. The developmental outcome measured showed delay in attainment of milestones especially in ELBW babies.
Interpretations and Conclusion: ELBW babies require much more intervention than VLBW babies. 92% of ELBW babies were given partial parentral nutrition, antibiotics and oxygen therapy as compared to 55.8% in VLBW group. Overall ELBW babies had delayed achievement of gross motor milestones than VLBW babies. In our study both the physical and neurological growth was satisfactory.

Key words:  ELBW, NICU Graduate, Neurodevelopment, Physical, VLBW

How to cite : Sinha R, Sodhi K, Dalal S, John B, Developmental Outcome of Nicu Graduate Weighing Less than 2500 Grams in A Tertiary Care Hospital. IP Int J Med Paediatr Oncol 2016;2(1):7-14

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