A Clinical Observation on the Premature & Low Birth Weight Infants

ABSTRACT

A clinical & statistical analysis was made on 325 cases of premature & low birth weight infants, admitted to the department of Pediatrics, National Medical Center, during the period. Of September, 1968 to august, 1976. The results obtained were as follows. 1. Sex ratio was 1.11 between male & female. 2. Monthly distribution showed higher incidence in cold season than in warm season. 3. In regard to the place of delivery, there showed increasing tendency of hospital delivery. 4. Important predisposing factors disclosed toxemia of pregnancy, inappropriate pelvic condition, acute infection & twin delivery in order of frequency. Among them toxemia of pregnancy was the most important. 5. Overall incidence of premature delivery was 5.0% in 1968 and 3.1% in 1975 and revealed. Decreasing tendency. 6. Concerning the order of pregnancy, the highest incidence was among the 1st pregnancy. (33.2%). 7. In low birth weight infants, Apgar score was higher weight group. 8. The mortality rate was higher in males and in the group of out side delivery. The highest mortality rate was noted in the birth weight group of 1001-1250 gm. The larger the gestational period the lower the mortality rate was also noted. 9. Most of the deaths occurred during the first 48 hours and sharp decrease after the 3rd day of life. Main causes of death were idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia. 10. Initial weight loss was marked between the 7 th and 11 th day of life and about 10% of birth weight. The lower weight group showed the greater loss. 11. Regain as well as true weight gain during the 1 st month of life was slower in low birth weight group.