Weight-specific Morbidity and Mortality Rates among Low Birthweight Infants in Two Developing Countries

Impact of the use of surfactant and Nasal CPAP in the reduction of mortality among very low birth weight preterm babies in Ile-Ife, south western Nigeria

“…Very low birth weight (VLBW) and extreme low birth weight (ELBW) babies constitute a high-risk group and previous studies in Nigeria have demonstrated higher mortality rates compared to larger sized counterparts especially in the absence of assisted ventilation and surfactant replacement. 16,17 The mortality rates for the ELBW and VLBW babies recorded in the 2019/2020 period of the present study were lower than reported figures of 83.8% and 39.3% found by Owa et al in Ilesa, 16 70.6% and 31.7% reported by Oluwafemi and Abiodun 17 in Akure, both in south-western Nigeria, and a mortality rate of 80% and 41% respectively, found by Chidiebere et al in Enugu. 18 These studies were all carried out earlier than the present study and reflect the challenges encountered by health workers in battling preterm mortality.…”

“…The difference in the mortality pattern among VLBW babies from the periods reviewed is reflective of some improvement in neonatal care services in the unit, notably the use of CPAP and surfactant which were not available before. 16 Furthermore, facilities for continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation have also allowed care givers to become proactive in the early detection of danger signs of bradycardia and hypoxia in preterm babies. Availability of neonatal intensive care equipment remains a challenge in our environment due to high-cost implications.…”

Prevalence and Outcome of Preterm Admissions at the Neonatal Unit of a Tertiary Health Centre in Southern Nigeria

“…However 2007 reports in Netherlands, a developed country, showed that 52% of babies born between 23 and 27 weeks gestation survived to 2 years with 70.6% of them having no disability. Owa et al [45] compared the birth weight and gestational age specific mortality rates among low birth weight infants at the neonatal units of Qatif Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia (with neonatal intensive care including 17 entilator support) and Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesha, Nigeria (with only special care services but no 17 ventilator support). The overall mortality rate was lower in Qatif Central Hospital compared to Wesley Guild Hospital.…”

Low birthweight delivery: Prevalence and associated factors as seen at a tertiary health facility

“…Low birth weight is defined as birth weight less than 2500 g irrespective of gestational age. [1] It occurs worldwide but by far more commonly in developing countries [2] It often results from prematurity or intrauterine growth restriction [3][4] though more from the latter than the former in developing countries [5] About one quarter of newborns in developing countries start life with impaired growth in utero often resulting in LBW at delivery [6][7][8] Complications arising from this include infections, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, jaundice and perinatal asphyxia often resulting in significant perinatal mortality [2] LBW infants are also predisposed to developing neurological problems including poor attention span and have much higher burden of disease throughout life [7] They often remain undernourished throughout childhood and adolescence and easily grow into undernourished women of childbearing age who themselves deliver LBW babies [8] It is easier and better to prevent the delivery of a LBW baby than preventing the perinatal morbidity and mortality, developmental problems, failure to thrive and other life time complications consequent on its delivery.…”