Low birth weight among full term live births in a tertiary hospital in Egypt: hospital incidence and determinants

ABSTRACT

Low birth weight is a reliable indicator for both maternal and child health programs. Objectives of the current study were to measure the incidence of low birth weight among singleton live full-term births in a tertiary care hospital and identify its determinants. This study was carried out in Mn Shams Maternity University Hospital. A total of 1727 medical records of full term singleton live birth deliveries were reviewed. Low birth weight was defined as weight less than 2500 gram. The incidence of LBW in this study was 5.6%. The following factors were independently associated with LBW Hypertension associated with pregnancy [OR=2.3], female baby [OR1.7] and primiparity [OR=1.7]. Consanguinity was found protective factor against LBW [OR=0.24]. No relation between LBW and maternal age, history of abortions, chronic diseases or congenital anomalies of the baby was noticed. No LBW cases were observed among diabetic mothers. The incidence of LBW among live full term births in the studied hospital was 5.6% and the identified risk factors include Hypertension associated with pregnancy, primiparity and female babies. Consanguinity, although revealed as protective factor in the current study, yet it was cautiously interpreted for potential survival bias. Further studies are needed in this high priority topic especially to clarify the role of consanguinity in affecting birth weight in such community like Egypt where consanguinity remains one of its traditions