RESUMO
Low Birth Weight [LBW] and preterm birth [PB] are known risk factors of infant mortality, stunted growth and major morbid conditions for children, adolescents and adults. The association with diabetes, obesity and cerebrovascular disease [CVs] has been frequently reported. The major aim of the study was to assess the magnitude of the LBW in Kuwait, point out the probable risk factors and advice on the mitigations. Material and The study is based on analysis of the 2006 birth data; a case control study in which, 4458 LBW and 4456 normal birth weight [NBW] were compared. The newborn, maternal and environmental variables were elicited. Females had a higher incidence of LBW [52.2%]. More Kuwaiti newborns [63.9%] were included in the LBW group compared to the control and the differences in the distribution were statistically significant. The gestation age amounted to 36.2 and 39.1 weeks for the LBW and NBW. LBW was similar in all the health regions except slightly higher proportion in Farwania [23.9%] and Ahmadi [21.6%]. The incidence per 1000 life birth was lower in the 1992-2008 showed a persistent rise starting from 1995 for the Kuwaiti and the Non Kuwaiti. The age of the mothers were similar, however the difference in the father age was lower in the LBW group. The incidence according to the age of the mother showed a higher incidence with the group, <20 and over 45+. Newborns delivered in the Government hospitals were more likely to have LBW, probably a selection bias since the maternal complicated cases are better handled in the government hospitals. Primigravidas had more LBW [58.1%] compared to the multigravidas [47.6%] a history of a early neonatal deaths abortion, still birth and giving birth to a preterm baby were higher with the LBW mothers. The different pregnancy complications except for cord complications and retained placenta were higher among the LBW. LBW is relatively high and the incidence is growing the development of the obstetric management and innovation of fertility treatment may cause a higher incidence of the extremely low birth weight [ELBW], the proportion is already high and is rising
RESUMO
Low birth weight [LBW] is a major determinant of neonatal deaths, it is also a recognized risk of childhood disability, that will compromise the school achievement, and have long term adult health consequences including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease and stroke. The principal aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of LBW among Kuwaiti population, point out the pattern and the underlying risk factors from birth certificate notification. Material The present study is based on the analysis of a full year data 2002 for the Kuwaiti births. Notification of birth is mandatory and probably represents total coverage. The demographic information for the parents together with the disease conditions suffered by the mother and any problems with the pregnancy or labor are reported. The gestation in weeks, the weight [gm] of the new born and the length [cm] were registered. The 10th percentile for the weight was 2540 gm very close to the figure 2500 taken to determine the LBW globally, the median was 3240 gm denoting a positive skewness, the proportion of children <2500 amounted to 8.8%, these included the VLBW <1500 [1.3%] and the MLBW 1500-2499 [7.4%]. Significant positive correlation was found between the weight, gestation period and length of the new born. Males had lower proportions of the VLBW [1.3%] and MLBW [6.7%]. The age of the mother and father both significantly affected the incidence of the LBW; the proportions of LBW were higher with the younger age groups. There was no effect for the season but significant differences were found between the different health regions. LBW was lower with better education of the parents and the number of pregnancies decreased. Mothers attending the hospitals, probably at risk, had more of LBW. A past history of preterm, abortion, and heart disease were associated with higher proportions of LBW. The incidence of LBW in Kuwait was higher than that for most developed countries. LBW is a problem of growing dimension in Kuwait. Prevention of LBW though difficult would be a viable option, better maternal care, a follow up study of LBW and the ELBW need to be designed and implemented